Scholastic
Scholastic: Our America: Western Expansion
Reviews of children's literature, student activities, and interactive games from Scholastic that enrich a student's understanding and appreciation of western expansion before the Civil War.
PBS
Wgbh/pbs: Westward Expansion 1860 1890
Many changes across the country during the westward expansion were features that could be captured on a map. Review this map and select characteristics to be illustrated. Characteristics such as population, major cities, railroads, and...
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: The Difficult Journey [Pdf]
"The Difficult Journey" is a one page, fictional, reading passage about the hardships of a family of early settlers moving West in a wagon train. It is followed by constructed-response questions which require students to provide evidence...
Have Fun With History
Have Fun With History: American West
Learning module with videos and multi-media resources for students and teachers exploring the west and the pioneering spirit of America in 1804.
Other
At Home in the Heartland: At Home on the Fringes of the Prairie (1800 1850)
Interactive site offers information and pictures pertaining to early pioneer life. See advertisements in the paper, furniture, glassware, and food preparation tools. Read stories of individuals who lived during that time and make...
Son of the South
Son of the South: Westward Expansion
Discusses the major events and acquisitions in the westward expansion of the United States. Includes Louisiana Purchase, Florida Purchase, Oregon Territory, the Republic of Texas, Gadsden Purchase, etc.
San Diego State University
Sdsu College of Education: Westward Movement
A group of organized lessons provides ideas for teachers when planning a unit on westward expansion in the US. Some activities include planning what to pack in your wagon, learning what obstacles were faced, mapping, and more.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Conquest of the American West
This PowerPoint presentation will thoroughly illustrate the significant role the transcontinental railroad played in the economic and cultural development of the nation as it expanded west. What did the political leadership of the nation...
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: The Difficult Journey [Pdf]
"The Difficult Journey" is a one page, fictional, reading passage about the hardships of a family moving west in a wagon train. It is followed by constructed-response questions which require students to provide evidence from the story;...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Westward Expansion and Reform
Part of a longer time line describing the history of the American West, this section covers the period 1829 to 1859 with hyperlinks to stories and people of this time period.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Westward Expansion
Here you can learn about the Oregon Trail, Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and life as a pioneer through text, images, video, and quotes.
Library of Congress
Loc: Teachers: Journeys West
A series of lessons utilizing primary texts, including narratives, photographs, and maps, through which learners explore the following question: "What motivated thousands of people to journey west during the 1800s?"
CommonLit
Common Lit: Text Sets: Westward Expansion
Throughout the 1800s, Americans pushed ever westward in the search of prosperity and the American dream. It was a time of growth and adventure for settlers, and loss for most American Indians. This collection includes 7 Grade-Leveled...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Westward Expansion, 1790 1850
This interactive map explores the territorial and population changes in the United States between 1790 and 1850. It also covers the beginning of the transportation revolution and the Native American land cessions and forced removals.
Digital History
Digital History: Pioneers
Read about the pioneers that migrated West and see what drove some of them to seek a new way of life.
Digital History
Digital History: Trailblazing
Read about two of the trails used for both commerce and settlement. Many hardships had to be endured on both trails.
Digital History
Digital History: Opening the West
Read how quickly the borders of settlement explanded once the pioneers got started moving west.
Digital History
Digital History: The u.s. Canadian Border
The border between the United States and Canada in the east and Midwest was still not settled in the 1840s. See what happened that precipitated a final decision.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Rail, Sail, or Overland Mail
Audio and animated visual presentation on the history of how mail travels, starting in the 1850s. This activity lets you see how quickly you can carry twenty bags of mail from Philadelphia to New Orleans using various methods of travel.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Westward Expansion
A comprehensive overview of the expansion across the North American continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific in the west from 1841-1850. Provides a summary, list of interesting facts and a timeline.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Crossword Puzzle Game for Kids: Westward Expansion
An interactive and fun crossword puzzle game about the Westward Expansion of the US.