Final answer:
Pioneers began their Oregon Trail journey at jumping off towns most likely to prepare for traveling in winter.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pioneers began their Oregon Trail journey at jumping off towns most likely to prepare for traveling in winter. The timing of the group's departure and their daily progress was of pivotal importance; they needed to be sure that they would reach the plains late enough to have adequate grazing for the livestock, but reach the western mountains early enough to avoid the winter snows. Cooperation and coordination was very important to the success of each group traveling the trail, and many groups drew up formal documents outlining the responsibilities and work assignments of each wagon.