Families who traveled together along the oregon trail were like communities; they even wrote to keep order and settle conflicts.

The answer is: The Organic Laws of Oregon.

They were two sets of legislation made by a group of American settlers based in the Willamette Valley.

The laws created a structure for the white government in the Oregon Country. Later, in May 1843, a vote was made and, by majority, was decided to create what eventually was called the Provisional Government of Oregon.

The answer would be messages.

The travelers left numerous markers and signs on the road. Along the way they used to find messages and advice from previous pioneers, from warnings of potential dangers (for example, hostile Indians or contaminated water) to directional signs. The messages were transmitted in various ways: written on paper, painted on trees or sculpted on rocks and even skulls. Often, they were joined by strips of cloth to signal their presence.