how many people died on the oregon trail
9. Most of the emigrants on the Oregon Trail survived the trip. Between four and six percent of the emigrants died along the way-between 12,500 and 20,000 people. This is about one grave for every 200 yards of trail (the length of two football fields). Most of those who died were either children or elderly people. 10. The four most common causes of death on the Trail were cholera, wagon accidents, drownings during river crossings, and accidental gunshots-not Indian attacks! In the period 1840 - 1860, fewer than 350 emigrants were killed by Native Americans.