The Meek Cutoff was a covered wagon road that branched off the Oregon Trail in northeastern Oregon.
First used in 1845, the road is named for frontiersman Stephen Meek, who was hired to lead the first wagon train along it.
The journey was a particularly hard one, and many of the pioneers lost their lives.
In 1845 there were rumors circulating among the emigrants on the Oregon Trail that the Walla Walla and Cayuse Indians might possibly attack the settlers in the Blue Mountains of Oregon or along the Columbia River.
Stephen Meek, the older brother of Joe Meek, was an experienced fur trapper and explorer who made his living as a wagon train guide. Meek was unemployed at the time but was considered to be someone who was familiar with eastern Oregon.
In order to reach a ridge west of the North Fork of the Malheur River, the emigrants were forced to climb a steep, narrow ravine choked with boulders. One emigrant wrote about moving “ten thousand stones” in order to make a roadbed. A number of wagons were damaged during the 1,000 foot climb.
Meek continued southwest and led the wagon train into the Harney Basin to Wagontire Mountain, in a region known today as the Oregon High Desert. Wagontire Mountain received this name from later settlers because a wagon tire was found there. Here the emigrants camped by the Lost Hollow Spring. There was water but not an ample supply for the emigrants and all their livestock. As emigrants further back in the train continued to arrive, circumstances in the camp became desperate. Water quickly became scarce and many ran out of their staple supplies. In a weakened condition, the travellers became sick. Mountain Fever and other ailments began to overcome large numbers, especially the children and elders.
During this period of the journey - while emigrants were driving their livestock throughout the night to water – the John Herren family reportedly found some gold nuggets, which led to the legend of the Lost Blue Bucket Mine. The name came from the story later circulated by some of the emigrants. The Herrens reported that if they had remained at their campsite they could have filled a blue bucket with gold nuggets. This place has never been found, but if it exists it is thought by some to be between Wagontire Mountain and the south fork of the Crooked River.
The deaths and other circumstances led some to seek Meek's life at various times along the way. Anger towards Meek led to the often used phrase “Meek deserted them in the desert.” There are conflicting stories of a lynching attempt.
But Meek did stay with his emigrants throughout most of the journey.
The Meek Cutoff is one of sixteen historic trails recognized by the State of Oregon.
The blazing of the Meek Cutoff led to later wagon roads and the settlement of the eastern and central regions of Oregon.
This story of american pioneers has been made into a film by director Kelly Reichardt.
it is the best film i've seen so far in 2011.
subtle & quiet, still packs a punch of introspection.
beautifully shot by Chris Blauveltin a reminiscent style of terrence malick's days of heaven.
MEEK'S CUTOFF, (2010)
Directed by Kelly Reichardt
Produced by Elizabeth Cuthrell
Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani
David Urrutia
Written by Jonathan Raymond
Starring Michelle Williams
Paul Dano
Bruce Greenwood
Shirley Henderson
Neal Huff
Zoe Kazan
Tommy Nelson
Will Patton
Music by Jeff Grace
Cinematography Chris Blauvelt
Editing by Kelly Reichardt
Studio Evenstar Films
Distributed by Oscilloscope Pictures
Release date(s) September 4, 2010 (Venice)
April 8, 2011 (United States)
Running time 104 minutes
Country United States
