Fantastic Facts about the Oregon Trail (Paperback)

~ Michael J. Trinklein (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Wind-powered wagons; the $100 drink of water; mysterious empty graves; a cow that started a war. Read all about these fantastic facts--and dozens of others--in this fun-to-read book.

Did you know that some pioneers took a "shortcut" to Oregon that took them perilously close to Antarctica? Or that ferryboat operators on the Oregon Trail could earn nearly $2,000 per day? Or that many pioneers found ice in the middle of the blazing hot desert? It's all true! An entertaining read for young people or anyone interested in the great western journey.

About the Author

Michael J. Trinklein wrote and produced the award-winning PBS documentary film "The Oregon Trail." He also wrote and produced "The Gold Rush," another PBS award-winner. The Chicago Tribune called his writing "...never less than interesting" and the Sacramento Bee said his work is "Polished... fast-paced... consistently interesting." A university professor, Trinklein lives just 2 blocks from the Oregon Trail.

Product Details

• Paperback: 50 pages
• Publisher: Trinklein Publishing (June 6, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883691001
• ISBN-13: 978-1883691004
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #375,892 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quick facts, August 10, 2001

By	KP (Alpena, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This is a quaint little book that is full of interesting facts. My fifth graders have enjoyed listening to the unusual stories. The entries are quick and easy and great for filling those 5 minute gaps or introducing a lesson.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth reading, October 21, 2005

By	The Actor (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Although this book is not intended to (and won't) gove you a comprehensive overview of the history of the Oregon Trail, this is still a very good book to read if you are interested in the era. I learned quite a bit about it, and found it fascinating. Some great facts. Definitely worth reading.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Facts about Oregon, May 16, 2000

By	Debbie Keefer (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This is a very fasinating book. It is easy to read and a page turned for my fourth grade students who are studying the Oregon Trail. Kids love interesting facts as do I.