3. Oregon Territory and “Oregon Fever”

Oregon Territory:

 In the 1830s, missionaries and settlers began migrating to Oregon, which was jointly claimed by the U.S. and Great Britain.

Missionaries

Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic missionaries traveled the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail to reach the Willamette Valley.

Population Surge

By the 1840s, “Oregon fever” gripped Americans, leading thousands to migrate west.

U.S. Gains Oregon

President Polk negotiated with Britain, securing the territory below the 49th parallel for the U.S. in 1846.

Joseph Smith:

Founded the Mormon religion in the 1820s, claiming to have translated the Book of Mormon.

Brigham Young:

Led the Mormons to Utah in 1847, establishing a new religious community. This area was annexed by the U.S. in 1848, and by 1852, the Mormon population in Utah grew significantly.