History’s “Kevin Costner’s The West” continues its exploration of westward expansion this Tuesday with “Oregon Trails,” an episode that examines a particularly tragic chapter in the clash between cultures.
The episode follows Protestant missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman as they venture into the Oregon Territory, aiming to spread Christianity among the Cayuse people. It’s a story of good intentions gone terribly wrong, highlighting the misunderstandings and mistrust that can arise from cultural differences.
When a measles outbreak devastates the community, fear and suspicion escalate between the missionaries and the Cayuse. What begins as a mission of faith becomes a struggle for survival and a brutal confrontation with far-reaching consequences. “Oregon Trails” examines this historic encounter and its impact on the shaping of the American West. Tune in to History on Tuesday, May 27th at 8:00 PM ET.
