Curated OER
Westward Ho
Middle schoolers examine primary sources regarding Western migration. For this Manifest Destiny lesson, students determine why the pioneers moved west and what the trip was like as they examine sources and write journals based on their...
Curated OER
The U.S. Westward Movement
Students, working in groups, research and write about one of the trails that were used during US Westward Movement. They create a travel brochure for their trail keeping in mind the era in which the travel took place.
Other
Office of the State Historian: 1841 Texan Santa Fe Expedition
A detailed look at the motivation behind the Santa Fe expedition in 1841, the organization and members of the group, the Mexican response to it, and the aftermath.
Scholastic
Scholastic History Mystery: Westward Migration: The Santa Fe Trail
Students try to guess the mystery subject Carlotta Facts, the History Mystery Museum's professor, is studying. They read the clues, do some online and offline research, and then attempt to identify the game's mystery place, The Santa Fe...
PBS
Pbs: Prelude to War: Trade Routes Between Usa and Mexico
An examination of the historical background of the trade and commerce routes between early national Mexico and the United States.
Other
U.s. Route 40: History of Route 40
The history of U.S. Route 40, including the development of predecessor roads such as colonial roads, the national road, pioneer trails, and various highways.
Other
U.s. Route 40: History of Route 40
The history of U.S. Route 40, including the development of predecessor roads such as colonial roads, the national road, pioneer trails, and various highways.
Other
Bicknell Family Home Page: Santa Fe Trail
History of the Santa Fe Trail, focusing on the historical journey of William Becknell, the "father" of the Santa Fe Trail.
Other
History and Heritage Connections: The Santa Fe Trail
This website provides a good introduction to the Santa Fe Trail. It describes life on the trail, provides pictures of the trail today, and includes major events concerning the trail.
Digital History
Digital History: Trailblazing
Read about two of the trails used for both commerce and settlement. Many hardships had to be endured on both trails.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Santa Fe Trail
Provides 20 interesting facts and important information about the 900-mile route from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico from 1821 until 1880.
