Westward Expansion By Lv_100_Colonel Period: Jan 1, 1803 to Dec 31, 1859 Westward Expansion Apr 30, 1803 Louisiana is Purchased from the French May 21, 1804 Lewis and Clarks Journey Begins Sep 23, 1806 Lewis and Clark's Journey ends Jun 18, 1812 The War of 1812 Starts Dec 24, 1814 War of 1812 ends Apr 21, 1836 Texas Gains Independance from Mexico Apr 25, 1846 The Mexican American War Begins Jan 24, 1848 California Gold Rush Begins Feb 2, 1848 Mexican American War ends Sep 1, 1850 The Compromise of 1850 is approved throughout the month of September Jan 1, 1855 California Gold Rush ends (exact date unknown) Exact Date Unknown