Pioneer wagon trains traveling westward in the United States from 1850 to 1900 faced numerous hazards and obstacles.
The primary challenges they encountered included extreme weather, terrain challenges, river crossings, wildfires, health and disease, injuries and accidents, and malnutrition.
The environmental hazards involved harsh winters, intense summer heat, sudden storms, rugged mountain passes, deserts, river crossings, and wildfires.
The health and disease challenges included epidemics, injuries and accidents, and malnutrition.