In a small apartment Crystal, Minnesota, a history teacher spent his nights dreaming up ways to bring his subjects to life. It wasn't until his two math teacher roommates helped turn his ideas into code that Oregon Trail was born.

City Pages has an in-depth look at Oregon Trail creator Don Rawitsch, and the game's journey from cut up pieces of cardboard on a living room floor to an international sensation, beloved (and constantly referenced) by millions. It's a fascinating story—with a cameo by Steves Jobs and Wozniak—that's worth the attention of anyone who's ever lost a member of their party to dysentary. [City Pages]