US National Archives
Our Documents: The Louisiana Purchase Treaty (1803)
A fantastic site from the Our Documents group that allows visitors to see an original copy of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty of 1803. This treaty allowed the United States to purchase a tract of land west of the Mississippi River that was...
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: The Crisis of the Union (1835 1860)
Teachers and students will enhance their lessons with the videos, lessons, and slideshows presented. This unit sets the stage for a nation expanding west following the Texas Revolution.
PBS
Pbs the West: Charles Goodnight
Charles Goodnight (1836-1929) was one of the most prosperous cattleman of the American West. Read a thorough biography about him here at this site.
PBS
Pbs the West: The Pacific Railway Act: July 1, 1862
The critically acclaimed PBS series, "The West," provides the text of the actual Pacific Railway Act, designed to aid in the construction of a Railroad and Telegraph Line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean.
PBS
Pbs: Archives of the West: Songs of the Plains a Selection of Cowboy Folk Songs
Explore the lyrics of five cowboy songs from 1860's and 1870's.
US National Archives
Our Documents:president Jackson's Message to Congress 'On Indian Removal' (1830)
On December 6, 1830, President Jackson spoke to Congress about his position on relocating Indians in order to make way for settlers in the west. This paved the way for government policy in dealing with native peoples even after his...
Other
New York Public Library: A Hudson River Portfolio
Learn about the Hudson River and the role it played in the westward and northward expansion of America (to the Great Lakes regions and to Canada) in the nineteenth century. Useful for understanding the importance of rivers as means of...
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University: Voices From the Trading Post
This resource offers a series of slideshows, oral histories, and trade goods of the Navajo people from 1860 to the present.
Other
Dmwv: The u.s. Mexican War: 1846 1848
Dedicated to the memory of U.S. veterans who fought in the U.S.-Mexican War, this website provides documents, images, maps, and FAQs.
Other
Pony Express: History of the Pony Express
Read about the beginnings of the Pony Express, the requirements to be a rider, and find out why this mail delivery system ended.
Other
Collector's Guide: Indian Territory: Phoenix Rising From the Trail of Tears
A discussion of the art forms preserved by the Native Americans who were resettled by the U.S. government in the Indian Territory.
Other
Colorado College: Tutt Library: Sand Creek Papers 1861 1864
Provides links to images of the actual pages of documents involving the Sand Creek Massacre.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Northwest Ordinance; July 13, 1787
A copy of the entire Northwest Ordinance document is given.
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness to History: The Old West
This resource provides first-hand accounts and background information on the Old West. Content touches on crossing the plains, cowboys, train robberies, Dalton Gang's Last Raid, Custer's Last Stand, the Death of Billy the Kid, and much...
PBS
Pbs: Westward Expansion
Customize this 19th century map to show different cities, territories, and native lands in addition to the travel routes of the westward movement.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Who Were the Cowboys Behind 'Cowboy Songs'?
This article and audio report [9:05] covers the origins of American cowboy folk songs. Uses popups. Also includes a brief video clip of a 19th century folk song being performed.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Conflict of Cultures: President Polk and the Taking of the West
Lesson and activity on conflict of cultures in which students study U.S. overtaking lands of Mexico and California and form policy on property rights and citizenship of conquered cultures. Activity guidelines, questions for discussion...
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: Captains of Industry: Second Industrial Revolution
This tutorial looks at the Second Industrial Revolution in the United States and the most famous and successful industrial entrepreneurs of that time. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
OpenStax
Open Stax: u.s. History: Independence for Texas
From a chapter on America's expansion westward in a history textbook. This section looks at Texas's struggle for independence from Mexico, and the relations between Mexico and Texas prior to and after independence. Includes review...
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Mexican American War, 1846 1848
After reading this section of a chapter on "Westward Expansion," students will be able to identify the causes of the Mexican-American War and describe the outcomes of the war in 1848 and the effect of the California Gold Rush on westward...
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Impact of Expansion on Chinese Immigrants and Hispanic Citizens
As white populations moved westward in the 19th century, Chinese immigrants and Hispanic Americans faced racism and discrimination and were unable to compete on an equal basis for land. Eventually, both groups settled into urban areas...
OpenStax
Open Stax: u.s. History: The Westward Spirit
From a chapter on America's expansion westward in a history textbook. This section looks at how Americans felt about westward expansion in the mid-1800s, and ways that the federal government promoted migration. Includes review questions.
Other
Geni: American Abolitionist Movement
Looks at the history of the abolitionist movement in the United States, the key people involved, and important events.
C3 Teachers
C3 Teachers: Inquiries: Westward Migration
A comprehensive learning module on the westward movement that took place prior to the Civil War. It includes three supporting questions accompanied by formative tasks and primary source materials, followed by a summative performance...