The Pacific Northwest is a region in North America that is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west and roughly by the Rocky Mountains on the east. It traditionally includes the states of Washington, Oregon, & Idaho and the Canadian province of British Columbia with broader versions incorporating Alaska, western Montana, western Wyoming, and the Yukon territory. Significant settlement of the region commenced in approximately 1836 when migrant trains of wagons started departing Independence, Missouri headed west inspired by dreams of establishing farms, ranches, and pursuing gold. Over the next 30 years, an estimated 350,000 people traveled the Oregon Trail seeding the region with a hard working, risk acceptant population. This population was supplemented by lumberjacks, fishermen, military transplants, talent recruited from outside of the region, international immigrants, and outdoor oriented people seeking to live in an area that featured oceans, mountains, and deserts over roughly 200 years. This diverse population had many of the characteristics commonly found in entrepreneurs woven into its fabric creating a fertile environment where numerous companies have been born that have reached regional, national, and international prominence.