Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: The United States, 1830
A map of the United States in 1830 showing the states and territories, the joint-occupation with Britain in Oregon Country, and the British and Spanish possessions at the time. The map shows the westward expansion of the United States,...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: The United States, 1821
A map of the United States and territories showing the westward expansion after the Missouri Compromise (1820) and the admission of Missouri into the Union in 1821.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Bank Fight
Although the nullification crisis possessed the seeds of civil war, it was not as critical a political issue as a bitter struggle over the continued existence of the nation's central bank, the second Bank of the United States. The first...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Meriwether Lewis
A biography of Meriwether Lewis, the man in charge of one of the great expeditions of the United States. (In Spanish)
Other
Global Security: 54 40 or Fight
Describes the significant territorial changes that took place in the United States under the presidency of James K. Polk. These included the annexation of Texas, the settling of the dispute with Great Britain over claims to Oregon...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: January 31: John C. Fremont: The Pathfinder
A biography of a colorful but controversial character of the West, a candidate for president of the United States, and major-general during the Civil War.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail was the important route taken by settlers from the east migrating to build a new life in the western part of the United States covering over 2000 miles.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: The Four Great Surveys of the West
This site provides historic images of the expanding frontier taken by military and private citizens from 1861-1912.
Curated OER
Etc: Maps Etc: Westward March of the Great Pioneers and Explorers, 1911
A map of the United States showing the historic sea and land routes taken by famous explorers across North America, from the coastal explorations of Cabot and Corte Real in the Northeast, Ponce de Leon and Alvarez in Florida and the Gulf...
Curated OER
Etc: Maps Etc: United States Population Density, 1900
A map from 1912 of the United States, subtitled "Distribution of Population and Railways in 1900" showing the increase in population and expansion of the railroad network since 1850. The map is color-coded to show population densities...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Homestead Act
The purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862 was to shape the future of the Western regions of the United States by taming the region by populating the area with farmers. This article provides an overview of this important political incident...
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Plight of the Indians
This site explains how as westward expansion grew, more and more Indians encountered settlers, ranchers and miners who sought life, land, and riches out West. Conflicts between settlers and Indians soon involved the federal government...
Other
New York Public Library: Heading West: Mining the West
A short page on the discovery of gold at Sutter's Fort as well as the impact of mining in the west on relations with Native Americans.
New York Public Library
In Motion: The Land Promised Lesson Plan: African American Homesteaders
The narrative, The Western Migration, features African Americans with agricultural backgrounds who migrated west following the Civil War and availed themselves of the opportunity to homestead. The Land Promised is designed for use in...
Ohio State University
Osu History Teaching Institute: Indian Removal
This lesson looks at the process whereby a policy of assimilation gave way to one of overt removal under President Jackson.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Trade and Migration, 1840 1850
A map of the United States showing the principal trade and westward migration routes between 1840 and 1850. The map shows state and territory boundaries at the time, major cities, ports, outposts, forts, and settlements, rivers, mountain...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: William Henry Harrison
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of William Henry Harrison and summaries of important events during his presidency.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Whigs, Democrats and "Know Nothings"
Jackson's political opponents, united by little more than a common opposition to him, eventually coalesced into a common party called the Whigs, a British term signifying opposition to Jackson's "monarchial rule." Although they organized...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: John Tyler
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of John Tyler and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: James K Polk
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of James Polk and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Zachary Taylor
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of Zachary Taylor and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Northwest Ordinance
Enacted through the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance led to the organization of the Northwest Territory and expedited the expansion of the United States westward. This is a thorough explanation of the ordinance.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Thomas Benton
Thomas Hart Benton (3/14/1784 - 4/10/1858) was a U.S. Senator from Missouri and a staunch advocate of westward expansion of the United States. He served in the Senate from 1821 to 1851, becoming the first member of that body to serve...
Curated OER
Etc: Center of Population, 1790 1900
A map from 1919 showing the mean center of population of the United States, calculated at each census from 1790 to 1900. The map illustrates the westward expansion of territory and migration during the period. "The center of population...