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Adams-Onis Treaty signed with Spain
Negotiated by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Spanish agreed to set the limits of their territory at California's northern border and give up any claim to Oregon. -
Moses Austin receives land grant in Texas
It was the first land grant and before he could settle it he contracted pneumonia and died. His son, Stephen Austin, confirmed his father's land grant and organized a colony. -
Mexico gains independence.
Inherits New Mexico from Spain. -
General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana becomes President of Mexico
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Battle of the Alamo
The mission falls into Mexican hands after brutal massacre of Texan defenders by Santa Ana. -
Texas declares independence
American settlers established Republic of Texas. Sam Houston elected President. -
Marcus Whitman builds mission in Oregon.
New settlers brought measles to the mission and an epidemic killed many Native American children. -
Texas in annexed into the United States.
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Congress declares war on Mexico.
Because Mexico "invaded our territory and shed American blood upon the American soil." -
Britain and US set the Oregon boundary at the 49th parallel
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Mormon migration to the Great Salt Lake area.
After a mob in Illinois killed Mormon founder Joseph Smith, Brigham Young took over as the head of the Mormons and moved them to Utah in an area they called Deseret. -
Gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill
Discovered by James Marshall in California. Marked the start of the California Gold Rush.