Changes

The wagon traffic during the 1840s and 1850s was so heavy that the road was a clearly defined and deeply rutted way across the country. When the ruts became too deep for travel, parallel roads were broken. The 2,000 mile trek tested the outer limits of human endurance and organizational skill. The many surviving diaries of the overland journey invariable mention the graves passed each day. Cholera was the most serious medical problem.  After 1850 the wagon trains used better-adapted equipment. Specially constructed wagons became available; oxen largely replaced horses; and supplies were selected more wisely. The route was now easy to follow and even included crude ferries at some of the most difficult river crossings.  

The wagon traffic during the 1840s and 1850s was so heavy that the road was a clearly defined and deeply rutted way across the country. When the ruts became too deep for travel, parallel roads were broken. The 2,000 mile trek tested the outer limits of human endurance and organizational skill. The many surviving diaries of the overland journey invariable mention the graves passed each day. Cholera was the most serious medical problem.  After 1850 the wagon trains used better-adapted equipment. Specially constructed wagons became available; oxen largely replaced horses; and supplies were selected more wisely. The route was now easy to follow and even included crude ferries at some of the most difficult river crossings.  

Food problems were eased by the use of "portable soup" tablets(bouillon cubes), meat biscuits and powdered milk (the latter two invented by Gail Borden). Mostly they ate salted pork, biscuits, soup and dried fruit, supplements with wild game shot along the way. Canned foods were available after 1850.<ref> William (1993)</ref>  

Food problems were eased by the use of "portable soup" tablets(bouillon cubes), meat biscuits and powdered milk (the latter two invented by Gail Borden). Mostly they ate salted pork, biscuits, soup and dried fruit, supplemented with wild game shot along the way. Canned foods were available after 1850.<ref> William (1993)</ref>

==Memory==

==Memory==