THOUSANDS of pioneers and homesteaders moved westward across the great open continent - land that is now the United States. Their movement began at the end of the American Revolution. In 1803, the U.S. made the largest and most profitable land purchase in its history - the Louisiana Purchase! This purchase opened up most of the western part of the United States to American settlers. Westward expansion continued throughout the 1800s - which included before, during, and after the Civil War.

But WHY did people want to move west? All the difficulties and hardships... what were they REALLY LIKE? How did inventions play a part in helping families setting the west?

You are about to find out!