How did people travel west in the first half of the 1800s?

In the first half of the 1800s, people traveled west primarily by covered wagons, often part of families or groups migrating for opportunities like land and gold. The Oregon Trail and California Trail were popular routes, with settlers relying on oxen or horses to pull their wagons. Additionally, some traveled by riverboats along major waterways, while others utilized horseback for shorter distances. The journey was arduous and required careful planning and supplies to endure the challenges of the frontier.