Trading Posts on the Oregon Trail

Have you ever wondered how the pioneers lived without grocery stores? Trading posts helped families survive. Forts were built along the Oregon Trail. Each fort had a trading post. It was like a grocery store and department store put together.

The trading post was a place for the weary travelers to stop and rest. Trading posts stocked things the settlers needed. It was also a place to meet new people and hear any news.

The pioneers could buy rifles and bullets at the trading post. Food, such as dried meat, beans, eggs, and coffee could be bought at a trading post.

To travel safely, wagons were kept in good repair. Wagon parts, wood, hammers, saws, ropes, and chains were sold at the trading post.

Prices at the trading posts were high. Pioneers were willing to pay for things they needed. Without trading posts, many travelers would never have made it to the end of the trail.