I just asked that same question
Explanation:
Hey, have you ever want to go west... If you didn't hopefully this should change your mind. We should go West, so we can have land because with extra land the more resources and power we have. Plus there is gold on the other side which means lots of money. If you don't know how to get there or what items to have listen closely. First, let's start off on what to have. Here's the list of things you need and why.
Dried meat will be a great food source while traveling. It takes a long time to spoil. However, you must guard your food carefully at night from wildlife.
A rifle would allow you to hunt and protect yourself from attack. It would also be an extremely valuable trade item.
Animal skins have multiple uses, but you will need a knife to cut them. Knives are also necessary for cooking and eating.
Matches are useful for quickly making a fire. Fires are useful for cooking, for staying warm, and for keeping wildlife away.
An ax can chop wood for use in making fire or shelter.
Water is critical to survival. Strong jugs will keep a supply ready for you if you fill them every time you pass freshwater.
Extra blankets will help you stay warm at night. However, they are bulky.
Dried beans are a great source of protein. They stay edible for long periods.
Six months is a long time. Extra clothes will allow you to clean one set while washing another and help you stay warm. However, they add a lot of bulk to your load.
High-quality skins and furs can be waterproof. They are great for keeping warm and dry. They can be useful in making replacement clothing and shoes.
Cherokee/ English dictionary. This dictionary could help you communicate with the Cherokee people you encounter early in your trip. However, most Native Americans west of Oklahoma would be from different tribes. They may not speak Cherokee.
You can use your cooking pot to boil water for cooking or cleaning. When not in use, it can store small items.
A hat protects your head from sun, wind, and rain. Usually, you will be outside. Sunburns can be dangerous.
Jewelry may help you feel more "at home" while traveling. It may be useful for trading.
This is a pan used for separating gold from rocks, dirt, and other minerals. You could strike it rich! Note that most seekers of gold found little if any, gold this way.
A needle and thread are helpful in making or repairing clothing, blankets, and animal skins.
If you are alone, letters from friends or family will help you fight loneliness. Six months is a long time to travel. However, they will not likely be useful for trade.
Silver forks, knives, and spoons could be useful for eating or for trading.
Those are things you need to bring to survive during the journey. Now let's talk about what routes to take. You should either take the Oregon Trail or the Santa Fe Trail. The Santa Fe Trail began as a trading route between Mexicans and Americans. Pioneers followed it to find new settlements or to seek gold.
After six rough months, you usually arrived at your destination. However, the end of travel isn't the end. You now face the hard work of home building and land clearing. Neighbors could be miles away. Water is difficult to obtain. Families should put money together to build schools and churches, but it will probably be often only years after settlement. But imagine after all the hard work you have fulfilled manifest destiny.
You might meet hostile Native Americans because they might think we are a threat to them and their land. Plus don't forget thieves and robbers and wild animals coming to take things you have. But if you have a gun or any weapon with you, you are good.
That's all I have to say. Hope you make the right choice!
