American West

Chronicles the building of American railroads in the nineteenth century, looking at how they spread throughout the West uniting the nation. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Chronicles the histories of the 9th and 10th Calvalries, troops of African-American soldiers who fought with pride and honor in the Civil War and the Indian Wars, earning them the nickname Buffalo Soldiers. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Examines some of the important forts that were built in the American West during the nineteenth century, and looks at how they were used as bases for explorers, as shelters for settlers, and for other purposes. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Examines the lives of some of the women who helped settle the West in the nineteenth century, looking at how they defied traditional perceptions of women as the weaker sex by becoming pioneers, gold prospectors, teachers, business owners, and outlaws. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Tells the stories of some of the boom towns that sprang up as people moved to settle the American West, looks at the difficulties they faced, and explains why some of them succeeded while others failed. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Examines some of the important Civil War battles that took place in Tennessee, along the Mississippi River, in Texas, and in the southwest, and discusses how many of the soldiers returned to the West after the war to live. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Looks at the increasing need for weapons by Americans as they moved westward during the 1800s, features photographs and descriptions of some of the weapons, and tells stories of how they were used. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Provides an account of the Battle of the Little Bighorn in which the Seventh Cavalry, led by General George Custer, was nearly annihilated by the combined forces of the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes.

Traces the history of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, a six-year project, completed in 1869, with the help of newly freed slaves, and immigrants from a variety of countries. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.

Tells the story of the Battle of the Alamo, an 1836 siege in which over one hundred Texans died, and explains how the defeat spurred Texans to increase their efforts to win freedom from Mexican rule. Includes photographs, a glossary, a time line, and resources.