In 1846 Levi Scott, together with Jesse and Lindsay Applegate, led an expedition that established the southern route to Oregon from Ft. Hall, Idaho. He was also elected to guide the first emigrants over the new route. Scott's significant role in the development of this emigrant trail has led some historians to argue that it should be called the Scott Trail - others have suggested the Scott-Applegate Trail. Jesse Applegate, Scott's good friend and captain of the exploring party, simply called it the "Southern Route," The question of its name remains a matter of argument.
Levi Scott (1797-1890) emigrated to Polk County in 1844. Following efforts to establish a southern route to Oregon, Scott served in the Cayuse Indian War. In 1848 he settled with his family in nearby Scotts Valley. Sensing the prospects of supplying the interior by pack trail, in 1850 Scott platted Scottsburg at the head of navigation on the Umpqua estuary.
In May, 1847, Levi Scott led a company of twenty men, destined for the states. over the Applegate route, and guided a portion of the immigrants of the following autumn into the Willamette Valley in good season and in goso condition.... This expedition established the reputation of the southern route; and the legislature of that year passed an act for its improvement, making Levi Scott commissioner,



and allowing him to collect a small toll as compensation for this services. — Elwood Evans, History of the Pacific Northwest (1889)