Dangers on the Trail

There were many dangers on the trail like fierce animals, Indians, storms, rivers, diseases, and robbers.  Many of the  Indians were not friendly.  They would try to steal cattle and horses.  The pioneers also lost livestock to coyotes and other predators.  That's why the pioneers had guards who stayed up all night to watch the livestock.  Many rivers were difficult to cross.  Some of the rivers were fast, deep, and muddy.  Grass fires were a constant threat to the pioneers.  So were run-away oxen.  Some pioneers couldn't carry enough water from one watering hole to the next and were in danger of running out.  One of the worst things that could happen was that a wagon wheel could break or an axle could break and they could not get another.  If a storm came, lightning could hit the wagon and it could catch on fire.
   

Go to these pages to learn more about pioneer life on the trail:

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