-
Small groups began traveling the Oregon Trail
Small units began traveling the Oregon trail. At this time the trail was very different than it was when wagon trains began. -
War of 1812
On June 18, 1812 America declared war on Great Britain. -
End of The War of 1812
The treaty of Ghent was signed and the war had ended in a stalemate. While there was a battle in 1815 between America and Britian this occured because word had not gotten out quick enough that a treaty was signed. -
Missouri Compromised Passed
Devised by Henry Clay, this divided the state at the 36th parrelel between anti-slavery states and pro-slaverly states. -
Establishment of the Santa Fe Trail
This exact date is unknown. The traveling to Santa Fe is said to have started around Spring time in 1821. We can only assume Spring/Summer was selected for traveling due to harsh winters. -
Indian Removal Act passed
Removed all Natives on the east of the Mississippi River to the west of the Mississippi river. -
Texas Revolution Begins
The Texas Revolution begins with the begining of the Battle of the Alamo. -
Ending of the Alamo
Mexicans breach the Alamo fortress. All 200 Texas revolutionaries were killed in combat or executed. It is rumored one escaped but nothing can confirm this. -
First Wagon Train on the Oregon Trail
The Oregon trail began to become commercially popular. Wagon trains were organized and the trail took the route that we know today. -
Mexican-American War begins
Exact date unknown due to some battles between Mexico and Texas either counting as a new war or as part of this one. America fought for the disputed land that was either part of or not part of the anexxation of Texas -
Mexican-American War ends
The Treaty of Guadalupe was signed on this date. While skirmishes with unofficial Mexican guerrillas took place several months after. The last troops left Mexico on August 2, 1848. -
Establishment of The Mormon Trail
The vanguard company and Brigham Young set out near this date. Once again exact date is unclear but this would be the most reasonable. -
California Gold Rush Begins
California Gold Rush begins as large chunks of gold were easily found. This causes one of the largest emigrations in U.S. history -
California Gold Rush ends
The ending of the California gold rush. People still hoping for gold moved north and south of California. This isn't the exact date but emigration slowed down enough to where it could no longer be considered a 'rush'. -
Alaska added to the Union
While this is far from what we know as westward expansion the purchase of Alaska was influenced from westward expansion. Alaska had lots of gold and untapped oil. The cent per acre ratio is actually very similar to the Louisiana purchase cent per acre, fun fact. -
Anexation of Hawaii
The annexation of Hawaii marks the most recent move in westward expansion. Whether we acknowledge it or not manifest destiny is still an influence in everything we do as a country.