In this gripping episode of US History – Understanding This Country, we journey deep into the legendary Oregon Trail — the 2,000-mile path that turned ordinary families into pioneers and a young nation into a continental power. Discover why settlers risked everything for Oregon, how the trail tested their courage, and what it cost Native American tribes. From river crossings and wagon ruts to faith-driven migrations and the clash of empires, this episode brings to life one of the most iconic chapters in American history. Tune in for history, heartbreak, and hope — one wagon at a time.