Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: u.s. History Map Interactive
Become a geography whiz as you learn how the United States was settled. Discover how the continent was irrevocably changed by European colonization, the events that caused the wholesale displacement and decimation of the land's original...
Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum
Cprr History Museum: Pacific Railroad Explorations and Surveys of 1853 54
Provides information and documents of Jefferson Davis, George McClellan and the War Department's Pacific Railroad explorations and surveys of 1853 to 1854.
University of Oregon
Mapping History: American History
Interactive and animated maps and timelines of historical events and time periods in American history from pre-European times until post-World War II.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: James Gadsden, 1788 1858
Explore this short profile on the life of James Gadsden, who was instrumental in the purchasing of land from Mexico to build a southern railroad route to the Pacific.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: Conflicting Personal Interests
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the efforts of Jefferson Davis and others to survey lands for the best route for a transcontinental railroad. It also discusses the...
Other
Gadsden Purchase: Odd Land Deal
An informal description of the Gadsden Purchase land deal. Details about the personalities and rationale for this agreement.
Son of the South
Son of the South: Westward Expansion
Discusses the major events and acquisitions in the westward expansion of the United States. Includes Louisiana Purchase, Florida Purchase, Oregon Territory, the Republic of Texas, Gadsden Purchase, etc.
The White House
The White House: Presidents: Franklin Pierce
Details Franklin Pierce's career as the 14th President of the United States and his background information. A portrait is included.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: United States History Map: The Nation Expands
After examining a map showing the expansion of the United States, click to read about each addition to the country and see where that addition is. Play Expansion Concentration to test your skills.
Other
Course Notes: Us History: 1840 1877: Expansion and Slavery
A list with short descriptions of the issues and events that impacted the expansion of the frontier, with slavery being the most significant issue.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
This 3-page article provides a general overview of the Mexican War which resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in Mexico City on February 2, 1848.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Westward Expansion and Reform
Part of a longer time line describing the history of the American West, this section covers the period 1829 to 1859 with hyperlinks to stories and people of this time period.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Encyclopedia Britannica provides a brief overview of the results of the treaty that ended the Mexican War.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Gadsden Purchase
Provides an overview and detailed facts about the Gadsden Purchase, the land acquisition from Mexico of 30,000 sq. miles in Arizona and New Mexico for $10 million dollars.
Curated OER
Perry Castaneda Map Collection: Admission of States and Territorial Acquisitions
Here's a map to show you when states were added to the Union. It also shows territories and when they were acquired.