When players begin their journey in The Oregon Trail, they’re greeted by a calm, knowledgeable figure: Moses Harris, a seasoned mountain man who offers helpful advice and guidance as your party prepares to head west.

To many players, he’s simply the in-game tutorial, a friendly face that eases them into decisions around supplies, party selection, and survival basics. But Moses Harris wasn’t just created for the game, he was a real historical figure, and his contributions to westward expansion are both fascinating and often overlooked.

🏔️ Who was Moses Harris?

Moses Harris (c. 1800–1850s) was a well-known American frontiersman, trapper, and guide during the 19th century. Born in Kentucky, Harris became part of the famed fur trade era, navigating the challenging terrain of the Rocky Mountains and later helping guide settlers along the Oregon Trail.

He was known for his fluency in multiple Indigenous languages, deep knowledge of the land, and ability to mediate between different cultural groups making him one of the more respected guides of his time. He was often hired to assist emigrant parties across difficult terrain and around high-risk zones, from river crossings to mountain passes.

🧠 Discussion Ideas for the Classroom

• Representation in Games & Media: Why is it important to see real, diverse historical figures in games?
• The Role of Guides: What skills would someone like Moses Harris need to safely guide people across the American frontier?
• Fact vs. Fiction: How can we use games like The Oregon Trail as springboards for real historical research?