Background

As the United States’ lands expanded, many Americans optimistically decided to move west for better economic, religious, and financial opportunities.

Settlers endured harsh environmental conditions, difficulties with traveling, disease, injuries, and conflicts with other groups in order to move west.

Throughout the 1800s, American settlers risked their lives to travel across the country and settle the lands in Oregon Country and California.

Traveling across the country by wagon would be popular until the rise of the American railroad system.

Notable Individuals

Click on each picture to learn more about these individuals. Please also check out the Research page for many more websites, links, and databases to help you conduct your research.