Transit, traces, and trails Wagon trains followed several trails in the
American West, nearly all originating at
Independence, Missouri. Perhaps the most famous wagon train trail was the
Oregon Trail which had a span of over . Other paths included the
Santa Fe Trail, the
Chisholm Trail, the
California Trail (which split southwestward from the Oregon Trail), the
Mormon Trail, and the
Old Spanish Trail. Although "wagon train" suggests a line of wagons, when terrain permitted, wagons would often fan out and travel abreast to minimize the amount of dust blown onto other wagons. Travel by wagon train occurred primarily between the 1840s–1880s, diminishing after completion of the
first transcontinental railroad. Some remnants of wagon ruts along the well-traveled trails are still visible today. Membership of wagon trains was generally fluid and wagons frequently joined or left trains depending on the needs and wishes of their owners. An accident or illness, for instance, may force someone to fall behind and wait for the next train, or an emigrant might "whip up" to overtake a forward train after a quarrel. Some might break away to settle in
Colorado Territory or other territories along the way. At night, wagon trains were often formed into a circle or square for shelter from wind or weather, and to corral the emigrants' animals in the center to prevent them from running away or being stolen by
Native Americans. While Native Americans might attempt to raid horses under the cover of darkness, they rarely attacked a train. Contrary to popular belief, wagons were rarely circled defensively.
Modern-day treks Today, covered wagon trains are used to give an authentic experience for those desiring to explore the West as it was in the days of the pioneers and other groups traveling before modern vehicles were invented. ==Baggage trains==