The American West

	WESTWARD EXPANSION



	All Topics People Of The West

	Gold Rush Pony Express
	California
	Klondike Trails West

	Lewis And Clark Transportation

	Native Americans

	Other Events During This Time Period


















	All Topics


	Africans in America: Westward Expansion--As Americans moved west, the slavery problem followed them. This PBS site does a good job of putting it all in perspective.

	The American West--Covers just about everything related to the West--Native Americans, Cowboys, Outlaws, Ghost towns, Westward Expansion, Western Trails, America's Freedom Documents, Pioneers, Trappers, Scouts and Gunslingers.

	The American West--A nice collection of links to explorers, frontiersmen, fur trappers, mountain men, criminals and outlaws, soldiers, settlers, missionaries and religious leaders, cowboys and cattlemen, judges and lawmen, politicians, women, events, animals and wild life and much much more.

	The Creek War--Some background and details on these American-Native American battles.

	Kens Country And Western Clip Art--Find all kinds of clip art for your project.

	The Overland Trail--Wonderful site that gives tons of information about the Overland Trail, stage coaches, personalities of the trail, as well as links to other westward trails such as: The Oregon Trail, South Pass, The Santa Fe Trail, Ancient Footpaths and Indian Trails.

	Perspectives On the American West--A documentary series by PBS. Includes people in the west, places, journals and documents. Great links to historical figures during this time period.

	Virtual Library Index - American West--An extensive set of links to topics on the American West. An excellent starting point!

	Westward Expansion--This study guide gives an overall summary of westward expansion. Includes notes on important terms, people, places, and battles. Also includes study questions and a review quiz. If you need a summary of the event and what happened this is a great place!

	Westward Expansion--Many sites: Oregon Trail, Donner Party, cowboys, pioneers, mountain men, Pony Express, the Alamo, gold rush, Trail of Tears, pioneer food and more.

	Westward Expansion--100 links to many topics. Westward Expanison--A good set of links for information on the Pony Express and western history.

	Westward Expanison--Lost of links to information on the Pony Express, trails, gold rush, Native Americans, transportation, and more. Several graphic and photograph sites are also given.

	The Wild West--Great collection of information on Western forts, soldiers, the western movement and gun fighters.

	Wild Wild West--Many links to information on the Pony Express, stagecoaches, gold rush, cattlemen, cowboys, etc. Also has a section on interesting information arranged by state.

	Wild, Wild West's Favorite Links--Links to other sources on the WWW with information on other outlaws, lawmen, cowboys, Indians, and just all around interesting characters that helped make up the wild, wild west. Check it out! You might learn something and have fun in the process.


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		Gold Rush--California



	California Gold Rush--Great information on the history of the gold rush in California. Some good pictures accompany text.

	California Gold Rush--Relive the discovery of gold at California's Sutter's Mill through an eyewitness account. Lots of sites on the menu to the left for you to explore.

	California's Gold Rush: 42eXplore--Great set of links and activities.

	California's Untold Stories: Gold Rush!--Take a virtual tour of Oakland Museum's Gold Rush exhibit. Some very nice pictures accompany the history.

	Chinese And The Gold Rush--At the news of the gold discovery a steady immigration commenced which continued until 1876, at which time the Chinese in the United States numbered 151,000 of whom 116,000 were in the state of California.

	Chinese Placer Mining--By 1852, 25,000 Chinese had come to what they called Gum Shan - "Gold Mountain," making them the largest foreign group in the mining region at that time.
	Gold Fever--Tells the personal stories of a handful of city dwellers who, in January 1898, traveled to the Klondike determined to strike gold. Interwoven with historic photos of prospectors, personal correspondence with families and friends, stories told by their descendants, and interviews with experts on the history of the Klondike gold rush.

	The Gold Rush--From PBS, this site provides a complete history, fun facts and classroom activities.

	Gold Rush--The Sacramento Bee newspaper provides information about the California gold rush for the sesquicentennial anniversary. Includes the people's way of life, the people involved, traveling, routes and the gold rush's legacy.

	Gold Rush History --Comprehensive links and great art.

	Land Of Golden Dreams--Find out how the discovery of gold in California in 1848 changed America. Look through manuscripts and drawings from the Gold Rush.

	Sutter, John--biography of the man who started the California Gold Rush. Sutter's Mill And The Gold Rush--Find out how it all started.

	Trails To The Gold Rush--So many links, so little time! Many interesting sites to explore dealing with the gold rush, mines, and experiences of those who ventured looking for riches.

	WayBack - Gold Rush--Get gold fever! Journey with the Forty-niners, meet Gold Rush folk, meet people whose lives changed because of the gold rush, check out the Californios, find golden jokes, and lots more from PBS' The American Experience.

	Women In The Gold Rush--Excerpts from diaries and more.


	Women On The Overland Journey--All about those women '49ers.

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	Gold Rush--Klondike


	Gold Fever--PBS presents information about those who traveled to Alaska to discover gold. Find out what they took with them and what life was like then.

	Klondike--Travel north by ferry, foot and kayak with Seattle Times reporter Ross Anderson as he takes with him a historical "companion," the late Mont Hawthorne.

	Gold Rush Centennial Photographs--The Alaska State Library provides a collection of photographs covering life during the Klondike gold rush.

	Golden Dreams: The Quest For The Klondike--"This online exhibit retraces the path to the Klondike Gold Field from Washington in 1897 and 1898 through the lens of celebrated Northwest photographer, Asahel Curtis."

	Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park--Facts and visitor information on this historic site located in Skagway, Alaska. Check out the link to in depth information with lots of history and photos too!

	Stories From The Gold Rush--This is a great site for information that is different--extraordinary women, mail and mail carriers, starvation and disease, trails, running the rapids and more.


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	People Of The West


	Badmen & Lawmen--There is much legend surrounding the wild west when it comes to badmen and lawmen. The odd thing is that on occasion, the two were interchangeable and a lawman might have been a bandit previously in another state. Here are some profiles of famous men of the west.

	Historical Information On Daniel Boone--Brief summary of the life of this famous American! Daniel Boone Life Of Daniel Boone

	James Bridger--Information about the famous frontiersman, trapper, and fur trader. Jim Bridger--A biography of the frontiersmen James Bridger.

	Calamity Jane--Brief biography of Calamity with several links at the bottom for additional information. Calamity Jane --The Life and Adventures of Calamity Jane: An autobiography.

	Clanton Gang--Includes a Clanton Gang history section, a tour of Tombstone, and the story of the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Also the "Ghosts" of Tombstone.

	William F. Cody--Read about the man known as Buffalo Bill--the man whose life was part legend and part fabrication.

	Cowboys--Here you can round-up all the information you'll ever need about Cowboys. Additional information can be found in general sites.

	CowboyPoetry.Com--Large collection of Cowboy Poetry. Site gets updated with new poetry twice monthly.

	Cowboys And Gunslingers--The good guys and the bad guys--Wild Bill Hickok, Black Bart, John, Hardin, and more. Also some additional sites on related topics. see more sites below

	Davy Crockett--Read about the famous frontiersman who fought at the Alamo.

	The Dalton Gang--Cousins to the James Brothers, they were in the same family business.

	Desperado--This is one of my favorite sites. Visit the Howlin' Saloon, discover who holds out at Robbers Roost, get supplies for the chuck wagon, and look out for those outlaws.

	Dodge City, Kansas--"Dodge City is a pure definition of the West.... a gateway to history that began with the opening of the Santa Fe Trail by William Becknell in 1821 and became a great commercial route between Franklin, Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico until 1880." Links to current and 19th century maps of the city.

	Charlie Goodnight--A daring idea and the determination to make it succeed helped Charles Goodnight become one of the most prosperous cattlemen in the American West.

	Cowboy And Western Facts--Read about the colorful west and some of the people who made it. Very informational--the Alamo, barbwire, cattle drives, clothing, slang, people, lots of interesting facts.

	Gunfighter's Favorite Links--If you need more information you will surely find it here!

	Gunslingers And Outlaws--From Doc Holliday, Wild Bill Hickok, and Jesse James to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Some famous Gun battles....THE WHOLE DANG BLANG SHOOTIN' MATCH IS HEAH, BUCKO! Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid

	James - Younger Gang--Lots of neat information including the amount of money taken during each robbery.

	Kansas Gunfighters--: Biographies of some of the well known gunfighters as well as descriptions of events. Scroll down the menus to the right for more gunfighter sites.

	Kit Carson --Kit Carson was a trapper, scout, Indian agent, soldier and authentic legend of the West. Kit Carson

	Lady Belle Outlaw's Hideout--About murderers, criminals, and their friends in the Old West--Jesse James, Wyatt Earp and Billy The Kid are just a few. Also an interesting link to old west slang and some recipes.

	Mountain Men--Many links to famous mountain men of the West. Mountain Men: Pathfinders Of The West--Read about the men who carved out paths to the newly discovered western territory.

	Northwest Fur Traders--Brief history of fur traders and companies set up in the Northwest.

	People Of The West--Here you can find links to hundreds of biographical websites. The links are alphabetized and include lawmen, outlaws, native Americans, military leaders, and women . . . all persons who left their mark on the history of the West.

	Zebulon Of Pike: The Expedition Of Discovery--Follow Pike as he explores the West and finds the tallest mountain there. (He named it after himself!) Pike's Journey Up the Mississippi River--Follow Pike as he travels up the famous river. Photos help you picture what it was like.

	Tombstone, Arizona--Read the story and view the pictures about this famous pioneer town.

	Western Pioneers, Frontiermen, Mountain Men and Fur Traders--Buffalo Bill, Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, James Bowie, Kit Carson and other well-known Westerners.

	The Wild Wild West--Contains stories of some of the more interesting renegades, rebels, & rogues of the old west.

	Women Of The West--Some women took to the gun as readily as any man and others made lives for themselves apart from dignified society. Women Of The West--A comprehensive collection of links about women of the west and their lives on the frontier. Women Of The West--Listing of websites for some of the more famous women of the west.

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	Pony Express


	Pony Express Established--Six hundred broncos, especially chosen for fleetness, toughness and endurance, and seventy-five men, none of them weighing over one hundred and ten pound, and the Pony Express was underway.

	Pony Express--"Wanted - young, skinny, wiry fellows, not over 18. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred. Wages $25 a week."

	Pony Express--Read firsthand quotes about this adventure from the man who started it all.

	Pony Express--An interesting site where you can find a list of Pony Express riders, the history of the express, tales, express stations and links to other sites.

	The Pony Express--There had to be a better way to move the mail faster. And a man named William H. Russell had a wonderful idea. He called it the Pony Express.

	Pony Express History --The Pony Express actually began as an advertisement. Its purpose was to draw public attention to the central route in hopes of gaining the million dollar government mail contract for the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company.

	Pony Express Information--Outline format gives basic details about the Pony Express.

	Pony Express Poetry--A group of poems by Dave Rhoades on the Pony Express.

	Pony Express Quick Facts--Find out the age of the youngest rider, names of the riders, the average speed of a rider, and why the Pony Express was a financial failure, among other factoids.

	Pony Express Trail--The origins and the reason for a horse-and-rider mail delivery system between east and west can be summed up in two words, slow mail.

	Pony Tales --A collection of newspaper articles from the 1860's reporting the goings on of the Pony Express. Very interesting reading!

	Story Of The Pony Express--Brief history of the Pony Express.

	Stations Along The Routes--To maintain the rigid schedule, 157 relay stations were located from 5 to 20 miles apart. Here is a list of the stations by state.

	Transcontinental Telegraph--The end of the Pony Express.


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	Trails West


	Applegate Trail--Learn about the southern route of the Oregon Trail. It was blazed in 1846 as an alternate, and hopefully safer route to Oregon.

	Cumberland Gap Trail--Brief information about this historic stop on the way west.

	Death Valley Ghost Towns--Short histories of eight ghost towns around Death Valley California.

	The Donner Party--Learn about the misfortunes of the days and weeks immediately preceding their entrapment on the treacherous peaks of the high Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the true story of human endurance and spirit which few other true stories in American history can rival. The Donner Party--Trace the emigrants' fateful route through the Sierras. Learn about the pioneers who heard the call of the West.

	Along The Chisholm Trail--Follow this site on an adventure through the life and times of this historic cattle trail. Learn about trail bosses, river crossings, and life on the trail. Chisholm Trail \| Home Hard Times Along The Chisholm Trail Chuck Wagon--Great site explaining the importance of the chuck wagon on a cattle drive. Texas Longhorn Country--"A history of longhorn cattle and guide to viewing the State of Texas' longhorn herd."

	Frontier Trails--Links to the many trails across the frontier including the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, Utah Trail and others.

	Ghost Towns--A clickable map of ghost towns in U.S. and Canada. Includes information and photos. Very Cool! Ghost Towns Of Arizona

	Hide Tanning--Sites showing how to tan and preserve animal parts.

	Homestead Act-- President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act on May 20, 1862. The act provided settler with 160 acres of surveyed public land after payment of a filing fee and five years of continuous residence.
	Household Cyclopedia Of General Information--Originally published in 1881, this wonderful book was designed for frontier families who had to do it all with not much help from experts. Want to know how to bud trees, amputate a leg, prepare your beehives for winter, make Lucifers (matches), make black paint from various natural materials (peach pit black is dull)? This is the book for you. Great fun to browse.

	Life In A Log Cabin--Learn about building a log cabin and living in one. Shelter On The Western Frontier--This site links to information about sod houses and dugouts, root cellars, log homes, barns, shanties, and even outhouses,

	Links Along The Oregon Trail--Lots of links to information regarding the Oregon Trail and the westward movement.

	Mormons On The Trail--Many links about the Mormon Trail.

	Oregon Trail--The award-winning story of the great western journey. Enjoy the adventure!

	Oregon Trail--A great interactive site with lots of information to explore including information on the wagons used, food, hardships and challenges, trail, and more.

	Oregon Tail--A good source of links to the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, California Trail, Native Americans, and more. End Of The Oregon Trail--Great links to all sorts of information, prairie schooners, provisions, road to Oregon, settlers, pioneers, and much more.

	Pioneer Life--Cooking, fire-building, dangers, toys...what was it really like on the trail west.

	Pioneer Towns, Forts And Other Places--The Alamo, pioneer towns such as Tombstone, Virginia City, Carson City, and Dodge City are featured as well as ghost towns Like Bodie, CA and Jerome AZ. Plenty on the Black Hills and Deadwood, South Dakota, too. Forts--A listing of fort sites on the internet.

	The Prairie Traveler: A Hand-book For Overland Expeditions--Capt. Marcy wrote this essential guidebook to heading West in 1859 at the direction of the War Department, which had become alarmed at the flood of inexperienced pioneers setting out for the Western frontier. A best-seller in its time and still in print today, this book tells you everything you need to know about going West, and includes a number of detailed itineraries.

	Interactive Santa Fe Trail Homepage--Huge, helpful site for learning more on this famous trail. Includes history, maps, and much more!

	Grave Sites--Steve Grimm had been compiling tons and tons of images and maps for gravesites of outlaws, lawmen, and more.

	Trails--Many links to various trails during the westward movement including the Santa Fe, cattle trails, California, Mormon, Boseman, Pony Express, and many many more. If you are doing a report on any trail you will find information here--very extensive..

	Wilderness Road--This great site has lots of details about the Road and its travelers. Wilderness Road--Discover more about this famous roadway West.


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	Transportation


	Atchison, Topeka And Santa Fe Railway--History and timeline tracing the development and evolution of this remarkable company.

	A Brief History Of The Transcontinental Railroad--Follow the history of the transcontinental railroad as it becomes the first railroad to cross the entire American continent. Transcontinental Railroad--Learn about the joining of east and west. The American Experience-The Iron Rail Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum--Photographs, stereoviews, engravings, maps, and documents illustrating the history of the first transcontinental railroad. Western Railroads--History behind the transcontinental railroad and those key figures involved in its completion. Also includes a few links on train robbers.

	Butterfield Overland Mail--The first trip of the Butterfield Overland Mail originated in Tipton on Sept. 16, 1858 and its development is explained here.

	Camels In The West--Many people thought bringing camels to use in the southwest was a good idea, but nobody acted on it until 1853. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis thought that camels had many practical applications, especially military use.

	The Concord Coach--Everything you want to know about coaches, a fascinating site. see also sites below

	History Of Railroads--History of the beginning of American railroads and the surveying and mapping activities that flourished in the United States as people began moving inland over the inadequately mapped continent.

	National Road--Gives details, great pictures, and easy-to-read facts!

	NMRA Directory--Over 2000 links dealing with the railroads.

	Prairie Schooners--Great description of the prairie schooner along with a line diagram, and general information. Conestoga Wagon--See pictures and read stories about this famous covered wagon.

	Riding The Overland Stage--Mark Twain wrote this true account of traveling across country in a stagecoach in 1861.

	Stage Coaches And Wagons--Nice set of links for information on stage coaches and wagons used in the West.

	Stagecoach Travel--Experience the adventure of riding the stage. Many links to explore and imagine what it was like.

	Steamer Days--"Great crowds gathered to meet the incoming steamers for they always carried, beside the letter mail, huge quantities of New York papers, which gave the local residents the news of the world at large."

	Railroads West--All kinds of links dealing with the railroad.

	Riding The Stage, 1861--Aboard the overland stage from St. Joseph, Mo. to Carson City, Nevada Territory.

	Union Pacific Railroad--Provides a historic overview, timeline, and highlights significant people related to the company. The site also provides photos and information about historical equipment.

	Adventures Of Wells Fargo--Here you can find authentic stories taken from the historical archives of Wells Fargo that let you discover life as it was on the western frontier.



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	Other Events During This Time Period


	The Alamo-- Detailed information on the Alamo including maps, major people, and survivors. see also America Wars

	The Louisiana Purchase--Imagine buying good land for four cents an acre. That's what President Thomas Jefferson did. Treaty Of The Louisiana Purchase Louisiana Purchase 1803 - 2003--Celebrate the bicentennial of one of the most important land purchases in history. Today In History: October 20--A history of the Louisiana Purchase with related links. Louisiana Purchase Exhibit--What is the Louisiana Purchase and why was it so significant in the growth of America? Find out here. The site also includes maps from 1565 up through 1853 to illustrate American expansion. The Louisiana Purchase, 1803--Document and history surrounding its creation. Louisiana Purchase Map--Map of the territory Jefferson purchased from the French.

	Mexican-American War--Why did Mexico and the U.S. go to war? Was it just over Texas? Not exactly. Find out why and where and who and when in this exciting, easy-to-read article. Mexican-American War--This page, written by a high school student named John Heys, is a well-done academic analysis of the questions behind the origins of the 1846-48 war, and where the answers lead. The U.S.-Mexican War -- A concise history of the Mexican war with maps, pictures, and documents. The US-Mexican War--Another great site about the war between America and Mexico from 1846 to 1848. U.S. Mexican War--Documents the US-Mexican conflict from both perspectives, offering essays by historians, transcripts of conversations, and a timeline of key events in US-Mexican relations from 1519 until 1997.see also America Wars - Mexican American War

	Comstock Lode--Learn all about this famous silver strike.

	Crucible Of Empire: The Spanish-American War--A PBS offering which includes a timeline and much more for this often overlooked war over territories overseas. Find out about Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders and much more!

	The Spanish-American War--This overview essay of the war gives detailed information about the period and other pertinent information. There are also numerous links for further study. Spanish-American War--This presentation provides resources and documents about the Spanish-American War, the period before the war, and some of the fascinating people who participated in the fighting or commented about it. Information about Cuba, Guam, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United States is provided in chronologies, bibliographies, and a variety of pictorial and textual material. Causes Of The Spanish-American War--Brief description of the causes of the Spanish-American war. Read on to learn about why Cuba desperately wanted its freedom from Spain. Centennial Of The Spanish-American War--Read about three periods of the Spanish-American War: background, the war and the aftermath. This site offers several photographs to enhance your understanding of the war. Campaigns Of The Spanish-American War--Learn about the named campaigns of the Spanish-American War. Discover their beginning and ending dates along with the actions that occurred in each. see also American Wars - Spanish American War

	Teddy Roosevelt And The Rough Riders--Theodore Roosevelt's own account of the First United States Volunteer Cavalry. Teddy Roosevelt And The Rough Riders T.R. Takes Charge--In 1898, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt pushed hard for war with Spain. When it came, Teddy proved that he was ready, willing, and able to take part. Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt Association--Excellent site with great photographs. The President see also American Wars

	USS Maine--Read about the battleship that became the cause of the Spanish-American War. This site provided by the US Navy gives great detail about this great ship of history.

	Yellow Fever AndThe Spanish-American War--Yellow Fever killed more soldiers during this war than bullets. Find out why.





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