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Early Expansion
In 1700 there were around 250,000 colonists living in the American colonies. -
The number of colonist had grown to 2.5 million
Many people wanted new land to farm and hunt. They began to move west of the Appalachians. -
Louisiana Purchase
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from the French for $15 million. -
Trail of tears
The Cherokee Nation is forced to march from the east coast to Oklahoma. Many thousands die along the way. -
Texas becomes a U.S. State
The United States officially claims Texas as a state, eventually leading to the Mexican-American War. -
The Mexican-American War
A war fought over the rights to Texas. After the war, the United States paid Mexico $15 million for land that would later become California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of several other states. -
Gold Rush begins
James Marshall discovers gold at Sutter's Mill. Soon word is out and people rush to California to strike it rich. -
The First Transcontinental Telegraph line
The First Transcontinental Telegraph line is finished. The Pony Express shuts down. -
Homestead Act
The U.S. government offers up free land to farmers who agree to live on the land for five years and make improvements to the land. Many people rush to places like Oklahoma to claim their land. -
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is dedicated as the nation's first national park by President Ulysses S. Grant. -
End of the Frontier.
The U.S. Government announces that the Western lands have been explored.
