A South Road to Oregon

The History of the Applegate Trail

Early settlers coming to Oregon crossed vast plains, foreboding mountains, and hot deserts, only to find their biggest challenge — navigating the dangerous Columbia River. Inspired to find an alternative route, immigrants founded the Applegate Trail in 1846. A SOUTH ROAD TO OREGON: The History of the Applegate Trail traces the construction and controversy surrounding this long, treacherous southern branch of the Oregon Trail from Fort Hall, Idaho through parts of Nevada, California, and southern Oregon into the settlements of the lush Willamette Valley.

The story is told through historically accurate reenactments based on diaries, journals, and letters of the principle historic figures and interviews from immigrants’ descendants.

Narrated by well-known historian and columnist Russell Sadler.

Awards

Platinum Award, MarCom Creative Awards
Silver Award, Davey Awards

Funding for A SOUTH ROAD TO OREGON provided by:

Oregon Heritage Commission
Heritage Conservation Division
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Oregon Historic Trails Fund
Oregon Community Foundation
Ralph L. Smith Foundation

Special thanks to

Sunny Valley Applegate Trail Society

Credits

Executive Producer: Greg Frederick, Brad Fay
Producer/Writer: Cynthia Salbato
Producer/Editor: Peter Bedell
Music: Dirk Price
Narrator: Russell Sadler
Graphic Design: Vickie Killion

1 DVD: UNABRIDGED

29 MINUTES

To order the DVD, call 541-779-0808 x 241
$19.95 + $5 Shipping & Handling