Source A: Diary Entry of a Pioneer on the Oregon Trail

"We started our journey in the spring of 1843, excited but anxious about the long road ahead. The trail was difficult, filled with mud, rivers, and mountain passes. Many families traveled together, sharing supplies and stories. I remember the constant fear of disease and the challenge of maintaining hope. Our wagons creaked and groaned as we pushed forward, driven by the promise of new land and opportunity in the West. The nights were cold, and the days exhausting, but the sense of adventure kept us going. This journey changed my life and the lives of all who made it." Provenance: John Adams, 1843, personal diary of a pioneer traveler