ABOUT OCTA
Promoting the education and preservation of our nation’s historic westward emigrant trails since 1982.
The Oregon-California Trails Association was formed to ensure that a pivotal point in our nation’s history lives on through the physical landscape and the stories and accounts of the indigenous populations and brave emigrants who personified the American Spirit and forever left their mark on this land.
The Oregon-California Trails Association is the pre-eminent guardian and promoter of the inspirational story of the 19th century westward migration, which is unique in world history.
Our mission is to protect the Historic Emigrant Trails legacy by promoting research, education, preservation activities and public awareness of the trails, and to work with others to promote these causes.
Six broad goals describe how OCTA will achieve its mission. These address trail preservation, education/interpretation, partnerships, organizational effectiveness, and membership. Each goal is supported by objectives and implemental actions.
- Goal 1. Preserve the historic emigrant trails
- Goal 2. Present the stories of the emigrant experience in a manner that is inclusive of other perspectives
- Goal 3. Be an effective historic trails organization through appropriate partnerships
- Goal 4. Improve organizational effectiveness and sustainability
- Goal 5. Keep OCTA’s membership energized and informed
- Goal 6. Promote membership growth
OREGON-CALIFORNIA TRAILS ASSOCIATION
Protecting the Historic Emigrant Trails Legacy
PEOPLE & STORIES
Our nation’s historic emigrant trails are for everyone. Join us and experience the adventure as we explore the countryside.
ARCHAEOLOGY COLLECTION
A growing collection of archaeological trail articles available in one digital place for archaeology enthusiasts and academic scholars.
VOLUNTEER NOW
Volunteer for OCTA and explore ways to help OCTA preserve, protect, and promote our beautiful historic trails.
DONATE TODAY
We rely on the generosity and donations of members and non-members alike, to help make our mission of preservation possible.
Watch, Listen and Learn about the Trails
Protecting the Historic Emigrant Trails legacy by promoting research, education, preservation activities and public awareness of the trails, and to work with others to promote these causes.
REGIONAL CHAPTERS
Colorado-Cherokee Trail Chapter
Covering the Emigrant Trails of Colorado
The mission of the Colorado-Cherokee Trail Chapter is to protect the legacy of the historic trails that traverse Colorado. We are particularly interested in promoting public awareness and preservation of…
KANZA Chapter
Covering the Emigrant Trails of Northeast Kansas
Most of our area is through towns or on private land. We care for numerous graves in our area: including Roush, Marshall, Attebery and Mastin. We also keep an eye…
California-Nevada Chapter
Covering Emigrant Trails of California & Nevada
The emigrant trails in Northern California and Northern Nevada are the main focus of the California-Nevada Chapter. Our work involves identifying, mapping, and preserving the trails.
Gateway Chapter
Covering St. Joseph, Missouri and Doniphan, Brown & Nemaha Counties, Kansas
Saint Joe was a major jumping-off point for California and Oregon emigrants from 1844 into the ’60s. The Saint Joe Road ran near the Sac and Fox Presbyterian Mission on…
Idaho Chapter
Covering the Emigrant Trails of Idaho
Idaho is blessed with numerous trail routes and hundreds of miles of pristine trails. The Idaho Chapter focuses on exploring and preserving the emigrant trails across the state.
Nebraska Chapter
Covering the Emigrant Trails of Nebraska
Emigrant trails from “jumping off” places in Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas were scattered across eastern Nebraska, but converged at Fort Kearny. After leaving the Fort, the trails ran adjacent to…
Northwest Chapter
Covering Oregon, Washington & British Columbia
Our interest is in study, research, protection, preservation, and enjoyment of the historic trails in Oregon and Washington. We have the privilege of living in the territory where overland emigrants…
Southern Trails Chapter
Covering Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas
Identifying and Preserving the Southern Trails to California. The Southern Trails Chapter of OCTA is dedicated to studying and preserving a network of early migration and trade routes that led through the southwestern states to California…
Trails Head Chapter
Covering the Emigrant Trails of Kansas & Missouri
The Trails Head Chapter area encompasses the greater Kansas City area to west of Topeka. The chapter’s name signifies the beginning origins of the Oregon and California National Historic Trails.
Utah Crossroads Chapter
Covering the Emigrant Trails of Utah
The Utah Crossroads Chapter holds two general meetings annually at the Fort Douglas Military Museum in Salt Lake City. We also sponsor various Historic and Trails Tours throughout the year.
