What Did Clay Bring On Alone?

Introducing Clay

Clay is William A. Slacum, an American frontiersman and explorer who was born in Virginia circa 1800. He is best known for his expeditions in the 1830s through the Pacific Northwest region of what is now the United States.

Clay lived during an era when American settlers were rapidly expanding westward, exploring new territories and establishing communities in the frontier. As a skilled outdoorsman and traveler, Clay embarked on several journeys to map out the landscape and scope out areas for future development.

In 1835, Clay set out alone on horseback from Missouri with the goal of exploring the distant Oregon Country in the Pacific Northwest. At the time, this territory stretched from the northern side of the Columbia River up to Russian Alaska, encompassing today’s states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Wyoming and Montana.

Clay’s exploits helped open up the region to American settlers and traders. He provided details on the terrain, natural resources, native tribes, and prospects for travel, trade, and homesteading. His perilous solo trek exemplified the intrepid spirit of exploration in 19th century America.

The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail was a roughly 2,170 mile east-west wagon route from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon that was used by hundreds of thousands of American settlers in the mid-1800s to emigrate west. The trail was originally established by fur traders and trappers in the early to mid-1800s and was later appropriated by settlers traveling west in wagon trains. According to the National Park Service, the trail served as a “highway to the Far West” for nearly three decades from the mid-1840s until completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869 [1].

The Oregon Trail offered one of the most practical and accessible routes for settlers to travel west in the mid-1800s. It provided a direct route to fertile land and abundant natural resources in Oregon Country, which attracted farmers, laborers, and business owners hoping to stake a claim. The trail enabled hundreds of thousands of settlers to make the arduous but highly rewarding trip west, playing a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States [1].

The height of the trail’s use was between 1843 and 1869, when an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 people traveled west over the trail. The first major wave of migrants came in 1843 when around 1,000 settlers made the journey, followed by subsequent larger waves each year [2]. This helped populate the western territories and establish new settlements and towns, profoundly shaping the geography and demographics of the American West.

Clay’s Early Expeditions

Before settling in Oregon, Cassius Clay had already led an adventurous life as an explorer and settler. Born in Kentucky in 1810, Clay embarked on his first major expedition in 1830 at just 20 years old. He set out for the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, traveling down the Mississippi River by flatboat. Clay explored the wilderness and trapped animals along the way before returning to Kentucky in 1831.

Inspired by this early adventure, Clay then set his sights on the Oregon Country in the Pacific Northwest. In 1836, he joined Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth’s expedition to map routes across the continent to Oregon. The journey was arduous, traversing thousands of miles through rugged terrain. Clay gained invaluable experience that steeled him for the challenges of establishing a new life in the distant Oregon Territory.

Clay briefly returned to Kentucky after this expedition, but Oregon had captured his imagination. He soon began planning his own migration along the Oregon Trail. By 1844, Clay was ready to fulfill his dream of settling in the farthest corner of the American frontier.

Preparations for the Trek

Clay made careful preparations for his solo trek to Oregon. According to the Oregon Trail Center, each traveler took basic tools and weapons, including a rifle, shotgun, or pistol for protection, as well as a good hunting knife which was essential on the trail (Oregon Trail Center). Pioneers also brought farm implements like a plow, shovel, scythe, rake, and hoe to establish their new farms in Oregon.

In addition, Clay gathered food supplies to sustain him on the long journey west. As outlined by the Westfield Chorus Trust, essential food supplies included flour, hardtack, bacon, rice, coffee, sugar, beans, and cured meats like salted pork (Westfield Chorus Trust). These non-perishable foods were vital, especially on stretches of the trail where fresh supplies were scarce. Clay packed hundreds of pounds of these goods into his wagon.

Clothing and tools for wagon repairs were also critical. According to the Historic Oregon City site, pioneers brought spare wagon parts, canvas covers, wheels, axles, tongues, yokes, chains, and metal pieces (Historic Oregon City). Hardy pioneer clothing included wool coats, thick trousers, bonnets, and boots. Clay ensured he had ample supplies of food, tools, and gear to endure the 2,000 mile journey alone.

The Route West

In 1842, Clay set out on the Oregon Trail from Independence, Missouri along with a small group of settlers. The route stretched over 2,170 miles and traversed through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and finally Oregon (1).

The journey began on fairly flat grasslands but eventually ascended into the formidable Rocky Mountains. The Rocky Mountains posed a significant challenge with its steep inclines and narrow passes. Wagons frequently broke down and many travelers ended up having to abandon their wagons and possessions along the way (2). Despite the immense hardship, Clay persevered and made it through the mountains.

Beyond the Rockies, the settlers continued west through the Columbia River Plateau and descended down the Columbia River Gorge into Oregon. After several grueling months on the trail filled with illness, accidents, and run-ins with Native Americans, Clay finally completed the journey, arriving in Oregon in late 1842.

(1) https://mrnussbaum.com/oregon-trail-interactive-map

(2) https://mrnussbaum.com/stop-7-along-the-oregon-trail-rocky-mountains

Arriving in Oregon

After months on the trail, Clay and his party finally reached their destination of Oregon in 1852. According to the Oregon Historical Society, the group arrived in Portland in October of that year (Oregon History Project). Portland was still a small settlement at the time, having only been founded a few years prior in 1845.

Clay did not stay in Portland for long. He soon headed south to the Willamette Valley, which was becoming a popular destination for settlers in the Oregon Territory. There he took up a land claim of 320 acres near present-day Newberg and founded a farm (Oregon Encyclopedia). After years of traveling, Clay had finally reached his new home in Oregon.

Settling In

After arriving in Oregon in 1844, Clay quickly set about establishing himself in the community. He filed a land claim for 640 acres along the Willamette River where he built a cabin and began farming (1). Though life was difficult for many early settlers, Clay’s previous experience and skills helped him thrive. He planted orchards, grew crops, and raised livestock. His farm was quite successful, producing wheat, vegetables, fruit, and wool (1).

Within a few years, Clay expanded his landholdings to over 1,000 acres. His property became known as Walnut Hill Farm, named for the black walnut trees he planted. He built a larger, two-story home on the farm to accommodate his growing family (2). Clay and his wife Rebecca had nine children together. He became a respected member of the community, serving on the first Marion County Court in 1845 (1).

Though focused on building his farm and providing for his family, Clay remained dedicated to the Baptist faith. He helped establish the Santiam Baptist Church, donating land and resources for the construction of a meeting house. Clay was selected as a deacon of the church in 1851 (2). His faith was an integral part of his life in frontier Oregon.

(1) https://artslandia.com/test/oct-muhammad-ali/

(2) https://www.oregonlive.com/art/2018/03/cassius_clay_oregon_childrens_theatre.html

Clay’s Later Years

After settling in Oregon, Cassius Clay continued to farm his land claim for many years. According to the Oregon Encyclopedia, Clay lived in Oregon from 1846 until his death in 1903, spending over 50 years farming in the state after arriving on the Oregon Trail (1). Despite opportunities to profit from the California Gold Rush, Clay chose to remain on his farm in Oregon.

In the later years of his life, Clay focused on cattle ranching and breeding horses. He won awards at fairs and livestock shows for his prime livestock. Clay also remained active in politics, serving in the state legislature and advocating against slavery. After decades of farming, Clay retired at age 70 but remained on his land until passing away at age 93 in 1903 (2).

Clay lived out his days peacefully on his Oregon land claim, far from the controversy and conflict of his earlier years. His decision to settle in Oregon and live simply on the frontier allowed Clay to find relative quiet in contrast to his previous, more radical political activism. Oregon became a place of stability and focus on agriculture for Cassius Clay following the turmoil of his early expeditions and travels.

Legacy

Clay’s journey west on the Oregon Trail left a lasting impact and legacy. As one of the first settlers to make the overland journey, his travels helped open the way for many others to follow. Clay was a pioneer who played a key role in the westward expansion of America.

The routes and trails Clay used became well-established paths for future emigrants traveling west. His knowledge of the terrain helped guide those who came after him. The settlements Clay established provided critical resources and stops along the trail for later migrants.

Beyond his direct contributions, Clay became part of the legendary folklore surrounding the Oregon Trail. His courage and perseverance in the face of hardship made him an icon of the American pioneer spirit. His name would be remembered and invoked by many who followed the trail seeking their own fortunes in the west.

Though he was just one of many intrepid travelers and explorers, Clay’s early expeditions came to represent the incredible journeys made by generations seeking new frontiers. His legacy lives on in the history and lore of the Oregon Trail and the settlement of the American West.

Conclusion

Clay’s journey along the Oregon Trail serves as an inspirational example of the pioneer spirit during the expansion of America in the mid-19th century. Despite the tremendous risks and hardships, Clay persevered and successfully made the 2,000 mile trek along the trail to start a new life out West. His courage to venture out alone into dangerous territory embodied the adventurous and entrepreneurial attitude of many American settlers. Clay overcame numerous challenges along the trail including dangerous river crossings, lack of supplies, and disputes with fellow travelers. After arriving in Oregon, he established a successful farm and became a prominent citizen. Clay’s perseverance and triumph travelling the Oregon Trail alone at just 16 years old demonstrated the incredible fortitude and determination of the pioneers who expanded America’s frontiers in the 1800s. His journey west stands as an iconic representation of manifest destiny and the conquest of the American West.