Overland in 1846: Diaries and Letters of the California-Oregon Trail, edited by Dale Morgan, is a monumental two-volume collection that preserves the voices of the men and women who braved the overland journey to the American West. Drawing from diaries, journals, and correspondence written along the trail, Morgan presents an unparalleled mosaic of firsthand accounts from pioneers who risked everything in pursuit of new lives in California and Oregon. The two volumes capture the raw immediacy of the trail experience: the endless miles of prairie, the dangers of river crossings, the grueling ascents into mountain passes, and the constant specter of disease and scarcity. Through these unfiltered voices, readers witness the hopes, fears, tragedies, and triumphs of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. Each diary entry or letter brings the trail to life, offering a ground-level perspective on one of the most significant migrations in American history. Morgan's meticulous editing provides essential context, clarifying routes, identifying individuals, and situating each narrative within the larger historical framework of westward expansion. The result is a definitive source for scholars, students, and general readers alike—an anthology that humanizes the pioneers and ensures their experiences remain part of America's historical memory. Spanning hardship, perseverance, and moments of fleeting beauty, Overland in 1846 stands as one of the most important documentary histories of the California-Oregon Trail, capturing the courage and endurance of those who helped shape the American West.