The first version of the Oregon Trail was developed in 1971 by three undergraduates at Carleton College (Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, Paul Dillenberger). It was created on a teletype and mainframe computer. It used by 16 students using terminals, playing simultaneously. The program was entirely text-based--though it contained no sound or graphics, it was designed for the users to have a shared experience.
In 1974, Don joined MECC and brought a printout of the program. He installed it on MECC's statewide computer system and soon all of Minnesota was traveling the Trail! The program was still entirely text-based, with no sound or graphics
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In 1979, MECC and Apple produced a microcomputer version titled Elementary Volume 6 which was released to all public schools in the US. This was the first time students across the country could play--and the first time that graphics were included. In 1985 the Apple II Oregon Trail 1.0. stand alone version was released. Over time, The Oregon Trail was converted at MECC to 5 1/4" floppy, 3 1/2" floppy, and CD-ROM multimedia versions.
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| INTERIOR SCREEN SHOTS (taken from the 1985 stand alone version of Oregon Trail) | |
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As you begin the trail, you must first purchase supplies for your trip. Students estimate how many members will join the wagon train and adjust the supplies accordingly. |
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A map of the trail is always accessible so that students can situate themselves within the course of the trail. In addition, each city provides historical information from the 1840's. |
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At each stop, users can request advice and feedback from local travellers about travelling and weather conditions, or local resources. In addition, wagons can trade resources to help each other along the trail. |
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Decisions are made according to weather patterns, traveller health, food supplies, geographic conditions and miles to next landmark. |
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As the wagon train progresses, users are faced with unexpected circumstances and must make decisions about the lives and safety of members on the train. |
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In Wagon Train 1848, students completed the trail as a team--each computer was linked via ethernet and served as a specific wagon in the trail. All teams could share resources, but also had to make crucial decisions about leaving members behind. |