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On the Oregon Trail
A five-star masterpiece from best-selling author Robert Vaughan.
When sixteen-year-old Matt Logan and his friend Danny Duggan run away from an orphanage, they go west. There, they meet Jim Bridger, among other mountain men, and become fur trappers. But the market for beaver plews dies out, and the two friends take on jobs as wagon train guides, where they separate.
One of the trains Matt picks up in Independence began its journey in St. Louis, led by widower Cody McNair. Cody was a well experienced leader, having once been the captain of an ocean-going sailing ship. His adult son and daughter, Jared and Ellen and their daughter Emma Joyce, make the trip with him. Also a part of the wagon company is the Baker family, Lon, his wife Norma, and their eight-year-old daughter, Precious.
On the journey west, they rescue two travelers from other trains: Nonnie Hughes, a widow who had been going west with her brother and nephew when their wagon train was attacked by a gang of white outlaws, known as the “Hood Raiders”, and beautiful, young, Darci Clinton, who had been captured by Indians after her family was slain.
Tension develops with some of the members of the train, but Cody keeps everything in check as the train endures the rigors of travel. When the train is hit by the Hood Raiders, the Raiders, including their leader are killed, and the others run off.
Five months and ten days after leaving St. Louis, the train reaches its final destination of Oregon City, Oregon.
When sixteen-year-old Matt Logan and his friend Danny Duggan run away from an orphanage, they go west. There, they meet Jim Bridger, among other mountain men, and become fur trappers. But the market for beaver plews dies out, and the two friends take on jobs as wagon train guides, where they separate.
One of the trains Matt picks up in Independence began its journey in St. Louis, led by widower Cody McNair. Cody was a well experienced leader, having once been the captain of an ocean-going sailing ship. His adult son and daughter, Jared and Ellen and their daughter Emma Joyce, make the trip with him. Also a part of the wagon company is the Baker family, Lon, his wife Norma, and their eight-year-old daughter, Precious.
On the journey west, they rescue two travelers from other trains: Nonnie Hughes, a widow who had been going west with her brother and nephew when their wagon train was attacked by a gang of white outlaws, known as the “Hood Raiders”, and beautiful, young, Darci Clinton, who had been captured by Indians after her family was slain.
Tension develops with some of the members of the train, but Cody keeps everything in check as the train endures the rigors of travel. When the train is hit by the Hood Raiders, the Raiders, including their leader are killed, and the others run off.
Five months and ten days after leaving St. Louis, the train reaches its final destination of Oregon City, Oregon.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2021
401 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Robert Vaughan
450 books135 followers Robert Vaughan is an American writer. He has also written a series of contemporary and historical romance novels under several pseudonyms including "Paula Moore" and "Paula Fairman". His father served in the military and Robert followed him in the 1950s, entering army aviation. He served until the Vietnam War and won numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with several oak-leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several other medals.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 19, 2025
"BEHIND US IS OUR PAST - HOMES, CHILDHOOD, & MEMORIES."
☆☆☆☆☆
"BEHIND US IS OUR PAST, HOMES, CHILDHOOD, & MEMORIES. BEFORE US OUR FUTURE NEW LIVES, NEW FRIENDS, & AMBITION".
In April 1859, a group of strangers who have sold the majority of their belongings to purchase wagons and supplies and set forth on one of the most difficult journeys in our U.S. history for the promise of free or low-cost land in the land of milk and honey. The hardships, lost, and sacrifices are high enough to break the will and spirit of even the most strongest and most determined individuals. Yet, they push through their losses and struggles and bond together to survive their journey.
Standgers become friends that are as close to family if not outright referred to as family. Family members become so bonded together that nothing will pull or break that bond. Racists bigots become become enlighten the knowledge that all men and women, no matter their color, are the same, and only their actions define who and what they are.
On the Oregon Trail: A Classic Western by Robert Vaughan is a well written, intriguing, full of action with a mystery that once brought into light will blow your mind. For the most part, the characters are well defined, and you will find yourself getting to know the main characters from the first page throughout the book. The characters are everyday believable people who you will find yourself routing for during their treacherous journey from St. Lewis, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. You'll enjoy the way they come together, building their relationships and romances.
This book is the first I have read written by Robert Vaughan and will not be the last. I enjoyed it and hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this book.
☆☆☆☆☆
"BEHIND US IS OUR PAST, HOMES, CHILDHOOD, & MEMORIES. BEFORE US OUR FUTURE NEW LIVES, NEW FRIENDS, & AMBITION".
In April 1859, a group of strangers who have sold the majority of their belongings to purchase wagons and supplies and set forth on one of the most difficult journeys in our U.S. history for the promise of free or low-cost land in the land of milk and honey. The hardships, lost, and sacrifices are high enough to break the will and spirit of even the most strongest and most determined individuals. Yet, they push through their losses and struggles and bond together to survive their journey.
Standgers become friends that are as close to family if not outright referred to as family. Family members become so bonded together that nothing will pull or break that bond. Racists bigots become become enlighten the knowledge that all men and women, no matter their color, are the same, and only their actions define who and what they are.
On the Oregon Trail: A Classic Western by Robert Vaughan is a well written, intriguing, full of action with a mystery that once brought into light will blow your mind. For the most part, the characters are well defined, and you will find yourself getting to know the main characters from the first page throughout the book. The characters are everyday believable people who you will find yourself routing for during their treacherous journey from St. Lewis, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. You'll enjoy the way they come together, building their relationships and romances.
This book is the first I have read written by Robert Vaughan and will not be the last. I enjoyed it and hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this book.
August 12, 2024
From the Sea to the Prairie
I have read a number of books that took the Oregon trail from St Louis or Independence. The trail is the same trail with the same obstacles. There are a number of romances that will culminate in marriage. Cholera strikes and takes the lives of a few. There are Indians that stole passengers and killed others. There are stops at Forts. Mr Vaughn has added a couple of situations unique to his story. There are a couple of surprises. It was unique enough that I did not get bored. It was worth the read.
I have read a number of books that took the Oregon trail from St Louis or Independence. The trail is the same trail with the same obstacles. There are a number of romances that will culminate in marriage. Cholera strikes and takes the lives of a few. There are Indians that stole passengers and killed others. There are stops at Forts. Mr Vaughn has added a couple of situations unique to his story. There are a couple of surprises. It was unique enough that I did not get bored. It was worth the read.
February 19, 2025
10/10
The book was absolutely a wonderful read!! Recommend this to anybody.
The story flowed very easily. Definitely had me emotionally invested.
There were a few times I had to go back bc the author would switch trains, or to the raiders, and there wasn't a clear switch to the others.
The book was absolutely a wonderful read!! Recommend this to anybody.
The story flowed very easily. Definitely had me emotionally invested.
There were a few times I had to go back bc the author would switch trains, or to the raiders, and there wasn't a clear switch to the others.
January 23, 2025
Historical piece well written
I read this book straight through in one shot!! Mr Vaughan is an excellent writer. Not only that, he shares factual historical places and events throughout the book.
I read this book straight through in one shot!! Mr Vaughan is an excellent writer. Not only that, he shares factual historical places and events throughout the book.
March 23, 2023
I've been on a real Western kick lately. But, I've been running out of Westerns to read. While going over a list of what's on my shelves I realized, I've never actually read a book about the Oregon Trail. I figured, what better place to start, than this book?
On the Oregon Trail tells the stories of a multitude of characters, all of whom up sticks and head towards a better life in Oregon. The road there is dangerous, however, the journey is arduous it's full of treacherous conditions, and there's a group of bandits robbing wagon trains, leaving nothing but bodies in their wake. This story is one of courage and determination.
Feeling much like a traditional, slower paced Western, this is a fairly short and pretty easy read. But, despite the slim page count, Vaughan paints the scenery so damn beautifully, it feels as if you're right there, in the Wild West yourself. Perhaps there was a touch too much romance and happiness for me, I'm much more into stories of despair and desperation than of happy families settling down.
Overall, though, this was a solid, enjoyable Western, and perfect to scratch that itch I was having.
On the Oregon Trail tells the stories of a multitude of characters, all of whom up sticks and head towards a better life in Oregon. The road there is dangerous, however, the journey is arduous it's full of treacherous conditions, and there's a group of bandits robbing wagon trains, leaving nothing but bodies in their wake. This story is one of courage and determination.
Feeling much like a traditional, slower paced Western, this is a fairly short and pretty easy read. But, despite the slim page count, Vaughan paints the scenery so damn beautifully, it feels as if you're right there, in the Wild West yourself. Perhaps there was a touch too much romance and happiness for me, I'm much more into stories of despair and desperation than of happy families settling down.
Overall, though, this was a solid, enjoyable Western, and perfect to scratch that itch I was having.
February 26, 2022
once again Robert Vaughan writes a splendid Western
This installment of the trek west, on the eve of the Civil War is outstanding.
To tell the tale correctly required a long list of characters. Vaughan writes so there is no confusion and each major has elements of style and voice to identify them.
All the elements of danger, adversity, and success to pass on the Oregon Trail present.
A great read
This installment of the trek west, on the eve of the Civil War is outstanding.
To tell the tale correctly required a long list of characters. Vaughan writes so there is no confusion and each major has elements of style and voice to identify them.
All the elements of danger, adversity, and success to pass on the Oregon Trail present.
A great read
February 9, 2022
If you like wagon train you will like this story
A good story about different people, all wanting a new life in Oregon. The hardships that they go through. To get there.
A good story about different people, all wanting a new life in Oregon. The hardships that they go through. To get there.
March 26, 2022
Disjointed
Enjoyable though somewhat dis-jointed read. Although the clue was in the title. Not my style of western, would have preferred a
much better pace. I guess my preference is action/adventure or early years trailblazers and mountain men storylines. I give a generous 4* rating.
Enjoyable though somewhat dis-jointed read. Although the clue was in the title. Not my style of western, would have preferred a
much better pace. I guess my preference is action/adventure or early years trailblazers and mountain men storylines. I give a generous 4* rating.
February 3, 2022
Average western tale
Not a lot of suspense or action. Makes a good travelogue of the trail west. The currency values are super inflated for the times & little critical situations overcome by key characters.
Not a lot of suspense or action. Makes a good travelogue of the trail west. The currency values are super inflated for the times & little critical situations overcome by key characters.
April 16, 2022
Simplified crossing
Just a very simplified book. Having traveled much of the route described in the book. Just does note cover the hardships. Think of the MORMAN migration. This book just is not worth reading since there are better books both fiction and nonfiction on Amazon.
Just a very simplified book. Having traveled much of the route described in the book. Just does note cover the hardships. Think of the MORMAN migration. This book just is not worth reading since there are better books both fiction and nonfiction on Amazon.
July 13, 2022
Good but simplistic
This was a quick read but an overly simplistic view of the Oregon Trail journeys. I have read several of the actual diary accounts of trail travelers and this book definitely puts rose colored glasses on the realities.
This was a quick read but an overly simplistic view of the Oregon Trail journeys. I have read several of the actual diary accounts of trail travelers and this book definitely puts rose colored glasses on the realities.
December 25, 2021
different but interesting
A nice easy read full of different happenings I read a lot of westerns I just enjoyed the adventure of theses families just hope there’s more to follow
A nice easy read full of different happenings I read a lot of westerns I just enjoyed the adventure of theses families just hope there’s more to follow
January 14, 2022
Enjoyed!
Always enjoy an adventure with a happy ending. Kinda like living out the game Oregon Trail with all the landmarks etc.
Always enjoy an adventure with a happy ending. Kinda like living out the game Oregon Trail with all the landmarks etc.
January 29, 2022
Many mistakes
The author should have proof read his story. Names were confused and some events were also. The story line was good,however.
The author should have proof read his story. Names were confused and some events were also. The story line was good,however.
January 11, 2022
Robert Vaughan – On the Oregon Trail – Reviewed 1/11/22 – Read 1/9/22
The wagon trains move from the East to the West, facing danger along the way “On the Oregon Trail.”
Two young men decide that it is time to head West, running away for the orphanage they were raised in as brothers. They meet up with Jim Bridger, other mountain men, and they trapped with them until the market for beaver fur dies. Then Matt Logan and his friend Danny Duggan take jobs as wagon trail guides and go in different directions.
One of the trains that Matt signs on to guide is for Cody McNair, a widower, and his children. Cody is an experienced leader; previously a captain of ships, he and his best friend decided that they also needed a new life. And the story begins.
Join Matt and Cody as they travel together towards Oregon with all the dangers they will encounter on the way…
What did I like? This book was filled with excitement and a ton of mystery at every turn. I was captured from the beginning and loved it all the way through.
What will you like? Excitement, travel, romance, danger, robbers, mystery, and a ton of surprises. This book is well written and developed with excellent editing and research as the master of adventure gives us every time. Don’t miss Robert Vaughan’s next book, “On The Oregon Trail,” available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09L3CGN2Z
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 12/22/2021
• File Size: 2960 KB
• Print Length: 276 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic American Fiction, Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
The wagon trains move from the East to the West, facing danger along the way “On the Oregon Trail.”
Two young men decide that it is time to head West, running away for the orphanage they were raised in as brothers. They meet up with Jim Bridger, other mountain men, and they trapped with them until the market for beaver fur dies. Then Matt Logan and his friend Danny Duggan take jobs as wagon trail guides and go in different directions.
One of the trains that Matt signs on to guide is for Cody McNair, a widower, and his children. Cody is an experienced leader; previously a captain of ships, he and his best friend decided that they also needed a new life. And the story begins.
Join Matt and Cody as they travel together towards Oregon with all the dangers they will encounter on the way…
What did I like? This book was filled with excitement and a ton of mystery at every turn. I was captured from the beginning and loved it all the way through.
What will you like? Excitement, travel, romance, danger, robbers, mystery, and a ton of surprises. This book is well written and developed with excellent editing and research as the master of adventure gives us every time. Don’t miss Robert Vaughan’s next book, “On The Oregon Trail,” available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09L3CGN2Z
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 12/22/2021
• File Size: 2960 KB
• Print Length: 276 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic American Fiction, Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
June 28, 2025
5 STARS, INTERESTING INTRIQUE ABOUT OREGON TRAIL
5 STARS a Western story for most people who have any interest in reading about the travel & problems along the Oregon Wagon Train Trail. Action packed & guns blazing these different types of characters show the multitude of different personalities & abilities the people took west with them to build anew.
The men, women, & children that made these trips are definitely the people that would be hoped for in building a country. They didn't quit, were determined, & braved along with tolerating the elements combined with working together even with people some they didn't like or get along with socially. We do it every day on buses, trains, & jets or even at our jobs; however, those situations don't usually last for 5 to 6 months without a break like a wagon train.
For many years since I was in elementary school I have always wondered if I could have lasted or been a successful member of a wagon train! One never knows for certain but I have always stepped up to whatever was needed & would like to think I would have guided my wagon's team of oxen as I was instructed & make some good food to eat over the campfire if necessary. After all, some people were not moving & still had to use a campfire type situation or fireplace to cook the meals for their families & friends to eat.
RECOMMEND
5 STARS a Western story for most people who have any interest in reading about the travel & problems along the Oregon Wagon Train Trail. Action packed & guns blazing these different types of characters show the multitude of different personalities & abilities the people took west with them to build anew.
The men, women, & children that made these trips are definitely the people that would be hoped for in building a country. They didn't quit, were determined, & braved along with tolerating the elements combined with working together even with people some they didn't like or get along with socially. We do it every day on buses, trains, & jets or even at our jobs; however, those situations don't usually last for 5 to 6 months without a break like a wagon train.
For many years since I was in elementary school I have always wondered if I could have lasted or been a successful member of a wagon train! One never knows for certain but I have always stepped up to whatever was needed & would like to think I would have guided my wagon's team of oxen as I was instructed & make some good food to eat over the campfire if necessary. After all, some people were not moving & still had to use a campfire type situation or fireplace to cook the meals for their families & friends to eat.
RECOMMEND
February 8, 2022
A great story about a wagon train in 1800 leaving St. Louis, Missouri and reaching it's final destination in Oregon City, Oregon which took 'Five months and 10 days'. Matt Logan age 16 and his friend Danny Duggan ran away from an orphanage to go west. Numerous men found jobs for the boys as they worked their way to the west. As the boys grew into men they became wagon train guides.
This story follows Matt Logan being a guide and Cody McNair the master of the wagon train. Starting a long journey in St Louis to Oregon City This train had numerous problems and people's tensions build up throughout the trip. Cody as wagon master kept things under control as the long journey continued. After 5 months and ten days the journey reached its destination in Oregon City.
This is the best book I have read about the Oregon Trail in a long time. The plot and characters were well defined. It followed the historical events as they traveled through the flats and over the mountains and into the desert during the day and night. Everyone helping each other through good and bad times. I highly recommend this good, clean book to all ages. It is full of historical events.
This story follows Matt Logan being a guide and Cody McNair the master of the wagon train. Starting a long journey in St Louis to Oregon City This train had numerous problems and people's tensions build up throughout the trip. Cody as wagon master kept things under control as the long journey continued. After 5 months and ten days the journey reached its destination in Oregon City.
This is the best book I have read about the Oregon Trail in a long time. The plot and characters were well defined. It followed the historical events as they traveled through the flats and over the mountains and into the desert during the day and night. Everyone helping each other through good and bad times. I highly recommend this good, clean book to all ages. It is full of historical events.
December 14, 2022
Informative and realistic narrative on the journey of the Oregon Trail.
It appeared the Author migrated both a male and female characteristics to this journey while adding the features of male protection from the Indians and then the murdering outlaws. He kept a female visualization while includes the various and numerous romances that were kindled throughout the treacherous journey to Oregon. Many readers today have little understanding of the special character traveling Westward across the untamed country. This novel was intriguing because it refreshed my understanding of just how ruthless the West was in the early to mid 1800's. Carrying hand guns was a necessity if you wanted to survive. Today, there are the ignorant who believe we should surrender our arms and that the country would be safer because of it. Fallen mankind, are still very real, which necessitates the need of self protection. If this weren't true, why do all the past Presidents still engage security details.
It appeared the Author migrated both a male and female characteristics to this journey while adding the features of male protection from the Indians and then the murdering outlaws. He kept a female visualization while includes the various and numerous romances that were kindled throughout the treacherous journey to Oregon. Many readers today have little understanding of the special character traveling Westward across the untamed country. This novel was intriguing because it refreshed my understanding of just how ruthless the West was in the early to mid 1800's. Carrying hand guns was a necessity if you wanted to survive. Today, there are the ignorant who believe we should surrender our arms and that the country would be safer because of it. Fallen mankind, are still very real, which necessitates the need of self protection. If this weren't true, why do all the past Presidents still engage security details.
January 13, 2022
A great story of courage that our early settlers displayed in settling our country.
A great story of the adventure of a wagon train as it forms and moves across the country to Oregon. A story of determination and courage that will keep you entertained.
A great story of the adventure of a wagon train as it forms and moves across the country to Oregon. A story of determination and courage that will keep you entertained.
March 1, 2022
Good read for all ages!
Very well written historical novel. Good lessons to be learned by everyone and author tells all high spots of story without fantasy and low spots without gore.
Very well written historical novel. Good lessons to be learned by everyone and author tells all high spots of story without fantasy and low spots without gore.
March 9, 2022
Oregon trail
Enjoyed reading the book. After reading about each train and those in it I some time had to stop and think about who was who, but it really kept my mind on who was who. Great read.
Enjoyed reading the book. After reading about each train and those in it I some time had to stop and think about who was who, but it really kept my mind on who was who. Great read.
April 7, 2022
A wonderful and exciting way to learn about the Oregon adventure
An easy and exciting way to read and learn of the origins of many citizens of Oregon. Living characters brought out in real life settings and adventures that encourages one to keep reading 📚
An easy and exciting way to read and learn of the origins of many citizens of Oregon. Living characters brought out in real life settings and adventures that encourages one to keep reading 📚
January 27, 2023
Good read
A really good story about the journey West people made very tough times for starting a new life out West . It must have been very hard on people with the trials of distance and difficult times well worth a read.
A really good story about the journey West people made very tough times for starting a new life out West . It must have been very hard on people with the trials of distance and difficult times well worth a read.
June 16, 2025
This was one of his best.
A great story with all the elements of a great western. Told in a way that kept you constantly interested and unable to put his book down. I highly recommend it.
A great story with all the elements of a great western. Told in a way that kept you constantly interested and unable to put his book down. I highly recommend it.
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed well enough this book, up until the end. The story is very simplistic, no real action, no real drama, predictable but pleasant and a quick read. Very disappointing and abrupt ending, like the author got bored with the story or was past his deadline and just ended it. Ugh.
January 25, 2022
VERY Goog Read
Didn't know if I would like this when I first started, but it really grew on me. Lots of good action, very good read. by
Didn't know if I would like this when I first started, but it really grew on me. Lots of good action, very good read. by
February 14, 2022
Oregon Trail
Best of all was the portrayal of the people in the caravan. I loved the steadfast friendship that Cody showed to his black friend. Best that we could all be that way.
Best of all was the portrayal of the people in the caravan. I loved the steadfast friendship that Cody showed to his black friend. Best that we could all be that way.
Read
February 20, 2022Great read
I so enjoyed reading your novel. I hope that you have more to come Very entertaining Thank you for your storytelling
I so enjoyed reading your novel. I hope that you have more to come Very entertaining Thank you for your storytelling
February 25, 2022
Spellbounding
Robert Vaughan did not disappoint on this one. Great read as always. Looking forward to sequels!
I would love to read more of these characters in their new life.
Robert Vaughan did not disappoint on this one. Great read as always. Looking forward to sequels!
I would love to read more of these characters in their new life.
May 20, 2022
Excellent reading
Enjoyed the story development and the human values brought forth. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Mr. Vaughan.
Enjoyed the story development and the human values brought forth. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Mr. Vaughan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews