As early American settlers started to outgrow their New England homeland, they began to look toward the western frontier. This new, seemingly unspoiled frontier held the promise of property, game, and sometimes even gold. It also, however, meant conflict. The local tribes of Native Americans fought to keep their place on a land they believed no one could own. Embark on this journey, and discover how the dream of westward expansion would change the United States forever.
Part I - Pioneers and Explorers - discusses Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, fur traders and mountain men, Oregon Country and the Oregon Trail and the Mexican War--Part II - Settling the Land - discusses the Gold Rush and Boom Towns, development of communication devices (stage coach, pony express, telegraph, railroads), cattle ranches and the Homestead Act.
As early American settlers started to outgrow their New England homeland, they began to look toward the western frontier. This new, seemingly unspoiled frontier held the promise of property, game, and sometimes even gold. It also, however, meant conflict. The local tribes of Native Americans fought to keep their place on a land they believed no one could own. Embark on this journey, and discover how the dream of westward expansion would change the United States forever.
Presents biographical profiles of twenty-eight individuals significantly involved in the westward expansion of the U.S., from 1763 through 1890; also contains a time line and a glossary.
