Firsthand History in Stereo

California Hill on the Oregon Trail

While we continue our work on episode one, I wanted to share this video experiment with you. I recorded this high-def video along with a binaural microphone to create something you’ll want to listen to with headphones or ear pods.

You can join me as I walk up California Hill near Brule, NE, which has one of the best remaining sets of Oregon Trail wagon ruts. This section came shortly after the pioneers crossed the South Platte River and began to head northeast toward Chimney Rock, Scott Bluff, and eventually Wyoming.

I arrived at sunset while a thunderstorm loomed north of the site. You can hear the birds and bugs buzzing, the crunching of my steps, and a train whistle from the Union Pacific transcontinental railroad line towards the south.