The 1840’s were a time when restless Americans started a uniquely American tradition — packing up and hitting the trail to look for a new life. Nearly half a million people jumped in wagons and head West on the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Santa Fe Trails. The imagery of long lines of covered wagons is just such a part of the nation’s fabric. That was nearly two centuries ago — you would think any sign of those old trails would be long gone. Yet we have found a volunteer army of history buffs turned detectives that are rediscovering those old trails — and preserving the history. When you’re asked where you came from — they can point at the very road your ancestors traveled. It’s painstaking work that is truly Saving Americana.