territorial expansion

People today refer to the Midwestern and prairie states as flyover country. During the Civil War, crossing those areas was the biggest obstacle in uniting the East and West Coasts of our divided nation. An act of Congress in 1862 authorized the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific railroad companies to build a railroad that would link the coasts. Seven years later, on May 10, 1869, an overwhelmingly immigrant labor force completed the task when a rail line was join in Promontory, Utah. The states had become united at last.

An exploration of Native American resistance to territorial expansion, covering causes of fights, treaties, betrayals, and more.

A collection of digital photos, clip art, sounds, and audio/video clips.

Looks at the political and economic history of the region between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains which, when purchased by Jefferson in 1803, doubled the size of the United States and led the way to further expansion.

Explores the time in United States history when western territory was being explored, settled, and turned into states, including the impact this expansion had on native peoples.

This video examines some of the key people and events that spurred America's westward expansion. From the settlement of the Northwest Territory to the eve of the Civil War.