The Western U.S.

Credit: Off The Grid News (2)

Native Americans

The Native Americans originally inhabited what is now known as the United States of America. Even though they were here first, European settlers began pushing them farther and farther West as they began to expand their territories (1). The new Americans began developing treaties with the Natives, but that didn't stop the eventual mistreatment of tribes on their own land. Forced to move farther west, they were still unable to escape new settlers as they searched for what valuables that land had to offer.

Credit: History.com (4)

Gold Rush

A large factor in the desire to migrate towards the Western United States was the search for precious metals, such as gold. This movement to the West to find precious materials eventually led to mining communities and towns being set up in the West (3). This rush caused a mass migration to an area previously occupied solely by Native Tribes. 

Credit: Pixels.com (6)

The Mormons

The Mormons, members of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints, were religious outcasts in the East and began to move West. This religion was founded by Joseph Smith, who was believed to be a prophet, who's goal was to spread what he was told by God and restore what he believed to be the true religion that was intended by God (5). In terms of popular religions in the United States at this time, Mormonism was very new, leading them to move West for religious freedom.

Credit: Pixels (8)

The Wild West

The Wild West was a popular trend in the 1800's during the expansion West. The Wild West popularized stuff such as cowboys and rodeos through pop culture associated with stories and events from this time (7). The Wild West created many narratives and story topics that would become popular in the U.S. such as "Cowboys vs. Indians" and stories of Outlaws.

Credit: The Famous People (10)

Buffalo Bill

Buffalo Bill, real name William Cody, was an American frontiersman who became very popular in the Western United States during the 1800's. In the Western Region, buffalo flourished and were common animals to hunt for many reasons, and many believed Buffalo Bill to be the "greatest Buffalo hunter of the West" (9). Buffalo Bill also encouraged the sport of Buffalo hunting, hosting competitions to measure the skills of other hunters. Buffalo Bill's popularity led to many people respecting and admiring him, enough so that he has an NFL team named after him.