Kansas Museum of History

Guided Theme Tours:
Westward Ho!

Grades 4 - 6

During the mid-1800s, thousands of families traveled through Kansas in covered wagons. Most were heading west in search of land, gold, and a healthful climate. Students will learn about the rewards and hardships of family life along the Oregon-California Trail.

This tour addresses, yet does not fulfill, the following standards:

History: Grade 4, Benchmark 1, Indicator 5: The student compares and contrasts the purposes of the Santa Fe and Oregon-California Trails (e.g., commercial vs. migration).

History: Grade 4, Benchmark 1, Indicator 6: The student describes life on the Santa Fe and Oregon-California Trails (e.g. interactions between different culutal groups, hardships such as lack of water, mountains and rivers to cross, weather, need for medical care, size of wagon).

Length of tour: approximately one hour, with a maximum of two tours per hour Number of student in a group: For the best experience, we recommend approximately 20 students per tour. For large groups, a maximum of 40 students will be accommodated on the tour during any given hour. Registration: Submit an online tour request; group rates are available with a minimum two weeks advanced registration For more information: contact 785-272-8681, ext. 414; education@kshs.org.