Oregon Trail Trivia Quiz

By: Peggy L Henderson

For my article today, I thought I’d do something a little more interactive. How about a little trivia game? For my latest book, I did a lot of research about the Oregon Trail. How’s your knowledge about the trail?

These are multiple choice questions, and I will post the answers on Sunday. To make it fun, if you leave your answers in the comments, I’m giving away a kindle copy of my newest release, Come Home to Me – release date October 17, 2012 to the first commenter with the most correct answers. (be sure to include your contact information) Thanks for playing!

1. What was the major “jumping off” point of the Oregon Trail?

            a. Council Bluffs, Iowa

            b. Independence, Missouri

            c. St. Louis, Missouri

2. What was considered the end of the trail in Oregon?

            a. Portland

            b. Eugene

            c. Salem

            d. Oregon City

3. In what month did the pioneers prefer to begin their journey?

            a. February

            b. March

            c. April

            d.  May

4. About how long is the Oregon Trail?

            a. 1000 miles

            b. 2000 miles

            c. 3000 miles

            d. 5000 miles

5. What were the two most common causes of death on the Oregon Trail?

            a. Drowning and accidental gunshot wounds

            b. Indian attacks and snake bites

            c. Starvation and dehydration

           

6. What was the most common disease that killed the emigrants?

            a. measles

            b. small pox

            c. cholera

7. Which was the most difficult mountain range to cross?

            a. Rocky Mountains

            b. Sierra Nevadas

            c. Blue Mountains

8. What is the name of the geological formation that the pioneers wanted to reach before July 4^th to beat the winter snows?

            a. Chimney Rock

            b. Independence Rock

            c. Scotts Bluff

            d. Jail House Rock

9. Why were oxen preferred over horses to pull the wagons?

            a. they are more docile

            b. they are stronger

            c. they can survive on poorer forage than horses

10. About how much did it cost the average family in the 1840’s and 1850’s to finance a trip on the Oregon Trail?

            a. $200-$300

            c. $500-$800

            c. $800-$1000

            d. $1500-$2000

Thank you for playing!

Here’s the blurb to my newest book, Come Home to Me (Book 1 in the Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series)

Jake Owens is tired of life on his parents’ Montana ranch, catering to city folk who want a taste of old-fashioned country living. He enjoys life in the fast lane, with fast cars and even faster women. When he falls in with the wrong crowd and is accused of murder, a stranger’s bizarre offer at a second chance might be his only hope to clear his name.

Rachel Parker is highly devoted to her family. A tragedy prompts a daring move to the Oregon Territory for a fresh start in a new land. After meeting the wagon train’s scout, the meaning of a fresh start may be more than she ever imagined.

Jake can’t believe he’s been sent back in time to act as scout for a wagon train headed for Oregon, and given the added burden of keeping one emigrant woman safe during the journey. He and Rachel are confused by their attraction to each other. Jake’s ill-mannered, unconventional ways are overshadowed only by his notorious reputation. Rachel’s traditional values and quiet, responsible character are the complete opposite of what attracts Jake to a woman. When their forbidden attraction turns to love, what will happen at the end of the trail?

           

Interviews, Why do them?

Howdy Friends,
This is my first post here on Cowboy Kisses. It's not on the regular schedule, but I want to let you know about an interview I have running on Big Al's Books and Pals. It was just posted this morning. If you'd like to learn a little about why and how I write, please stop by and give it a read.   http://booksandpals.blogspot.com/

Some folks might wonder why authors give online interviews. The obvious reason is it's a way to publicize our books, but that's not the only reason. Interviews are also a way to make contacts, not only with other authors, book reviewers and interviewers, but also with readers who may never have heard of us before. Okay, this is a form of publicity, too. However, it's also a matter of connecting with people and building friendships.

Like many authors, I'm basically a recluse. I like sitting at my computer with only my cats for company. It's in my nature to enjoy being alone with my thoughts. How else could I write? Yet, this does make for a rather lonely life at times. That's when the internet becomes an outlet, an escape if you will. Since publishing my first book in 2010, I've met many wonderful people on Facebook, Twitter, author chat rooms and my own blog sites. Interviews and guest posts for other bloggers widen this circle of online friends. We may never meet in person, but it's nice to know we are there for each other on the occasional down day.

I hope you are having a wonderful day! If you visit Big Al's site, please say hi to me. I'd love to meet you.

Lyn 

Blogging at

http://texasdruids.blogspot.com/  

and

http://texasdruids.com