A massive Mormon exodus swells the ranks of the emigrants to some 4000 pioneers, though it's an off year for the Oregon Trail side of the Platte River as cholera strikes Independence. Council Bluffs and St. Joseph replace Independence as the leading jumping-off points. The discovery of gold in California draws off more than three-quarters of the male population of Oregon, but most return before the arrival of the 49ers the following year.
[source: Clackamas Heritage Partners, http://www.historicoregoncity.org/HOC/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=107Itemid=75]
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