Westward Expantion Timeline

Westward Expantion

Period: Jan 1, 1860 to Jan 1, 1914

Timeline Project

Potato Famine Causing Hunger

Oct 28, 1872

My source of money, the humble potato, was all poisoned. I have no way of making money I need to get a better way of living

To America!

Nov 1, 1872

I have decided to go to America and start my new life, I have heard that the land there is free and they are giving out acres upon acres of land.
The ticket reads: Stephen J O’Connor
Age: 21
Date: November 1, 1872
Arrival Date: November 22-29 1872
Leaving From: Ireland
Going To: Boston

Arrival at America

Nov 29, 1872

I have arrived at America!
Time to get a job as they say they are being thrown around like flies.

New Job!

Nov 30, 1872

I have gotten a new job on my first full day in America! It pays $1.50 an hour! The best wage I have ever had!

Housing

Dec 1, 1872

These kind people let me live in their house. I only have to pay $.50 per day and they supply food, water, and toiletries.

Fired!

Dec 20, 1873

My boss fired me after coming to work 1 minute late. Who does that? I have never been late before and I have seen others be late more.

Out West

Dec 24, 1873

I have decided to move out west. I am running out of money and with my knowledge of farming alread.

Waiting Until Spring

Dec 30, 1873

Leaving on the trail in the winter is dangerous I will leave on the first day of spring.

Westward Bound!

Mar 20, 1874

Today I have embarked on a journey to get me some land and farm for the rest of my life and also pass on my land to other generations.

Arrival at the West

Apr 10, 1874

I have arrived at the west coast will start the race for land in the next few days.

Land

Apr 15, 1874

Well I got some land but I didn’t get the land that I was looking at. I got the next best thing. Water, good soil, good amount of shelter. Perfect land.

Searing Weather

Jul 13, 1874

A fire burnt down my house and all of my crops. Lucky that my neighbors around that liked me, they helped me out with getting supplies and getting me back on my feet. The weather is becoming really harsh, the temperatures are causing fires, and the winds are able to almost push you around. It is sure harder living out here than the city.

Marriage

Jun 27, 1883

I have married this beautiful lady. We are now living together on my land that i have kept for 10 years and counting.

Farming Life Over

Sep 23, 1901

Well i have become too old to keep on farming. Today is the date of my birth and i am now 50 years of age. I have passed my farm down to my children and i hope to the best of them to keep the income growing and keeping the farm functional. I have taught them all of what i know. I wish them the best.