What is the importance of the Oregon trail in the novel, Days Without End?

Shortly after Thomas and John Cole volunteer for the army, their troop of 300 men is ordered to travel along the Oregon Trail towards California, to go “someplace to get our close order” (19). Having to ride for weeks, the trail is long and seems never-ending to Thomas. But for many emigrants, especially “New Englanders” (17), the journey west is made in search of a better life. The trail requires perseverance, and the “bones of pilgrims” and “piano thrown out from a wagon” (17-18) are visceral reminders to travelers of just how demanding the journey is. Much of it is desert, and Thomas remarks that “drought was the worst thing there” (18).