The exploration of Oregon -- Astoria -- Discovering the Oregon Trail -- John McLoughlin and the missionaries -- The American occupation of Oregon -- The emigrants of 1843 -- Self-rule and more emigrants -- Fifty-four Forty or fight -- The year of decision -- New Zion, more emigrants, and a massacre -- A lull before the rush -- The Gold Rush of 1849 -- The hectic year of 1850 -- The changing road -- More change and civil war -- Decline of the Trail -- Rebirth of the Trail -- Appendix A: Historic landmarks -- Appendix B: Cutoffs and other roads.