OpenStax
Open Stax: The Missouri Crisis
This section of a chapter on "Westward Expansion" explains why the North and South differed over the admission of Missouri as a state and how the admission of new states to the Union threatened to upset the balance between free and slave...
Nebraska Studies
Nebraska Studies: High Falutin' Beef
This is an impressive history of the introduction of beef to the Great Plains region complete with videos, photos, and lesson plans.
Other
At Home in the Heartland: At Home on the Fringes of the Prairie (1800 1850)
Interactive site offers information and pictures pertaining to early pioneer life. See advertisements in the paper, furniture, glassware, and food preparation tools. Read stories of individuals who lived during that time and make...
![U.s. Mint: We're Going on a Bison Hunt [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/249025-9f5e44d8a919bd8ec2d9ad8c543a3d75.jpg?1661243093 "U.s. Mint: We're Going on a Bison Hunt [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
US Mint
U.s. Mint: We're Going on a Bison Hunt [Pdf]
In this four-part lesson, examine the significance of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark's Expedition. Then take the students on a simulated bison hunt to understand the importance of the bison as a food and materials source in...
![U.s Mint: Which Side Is Which [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/249033-ff1ff264a293b5ffb6c4bba64baec78d.jpg?1661243090 "U.s Mint: Which Side Is Which [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
US Mint
U.s Mint: Which Side Is Which [Pdf]
Introduce learners to the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark's Expedition. Then take a look at the Peace Medal nickel and differentiate between heads and the tails sides. Finally, do a coin-flip activity, and record and analyze the...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Fort Necessity National Battlefield: The National Road
A discussion of the building of the National Road, its route, and importance to the opening of the West. From the National Park Service.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Fort Scott National Historic Site: The Mexican War
This is a very brief overview of the Mexican War, organized into the following sections: "Zachary Taylor's Army," "The Army of the West," and "Invasion of Mexico City." Includes links to related articles and websites.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Pony Express: History and Culture
A good article from the National Park Service which recounts the history of the brief existence of the Pony Express. Read about the route, what caused the demise of the Pony Express, and what part of the trail can still be seen.
Curated OER
National Park Service: California National Historic Trail
This site from the National Parks Service gives a brief history, and description of the California trail system which was used by settlers moving to California during the 1849 Gold Rush days.
The History Cat
The History Cat: The California Gold Rush
Describes the events that led to the California Gold Rush, the lives of the miners, the discrimination faced by Chinese immigrant miners and African Americans, the women who mostly stayed behind when their husbands went west as well as...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Revolutionary Limits: Native Americans
A good description of the actions and fate of the Native Americans who allied with the British to fight against the Americans. Find out that while the Native Americans had treaties with the British, they were not represented at the talks...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Native Americans and the Last Battles
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart covers the history of the conflict between the US government and Native Americans on the Great Plains in the late 1800's.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Plight of the Indians
This site explains how as westward expansion grew, more and more Indians encountered settlers, ranchers and miners who sought life, land, and riches out West. Conflicts between settlers and Indians soon involved the federal government...
Other
The Gold Rush: Fever
This resource provides information about the Gold Rush, and fever that took place during westward expansion.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Diplomatic Challenges in an Age of European War
Both the British and French challenged American sovereignty and neutrality on the high seas. Read about the solution favored by Thomas Jefferson, but despised by the American shippers. See why this a cause of the War of 1812, along with...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Provides information on the significance of the Sand Creek Massacre as well as historical information about the massacre. Clicking on "People" on the left margin will give you information about individuals associated with the Sand Creek...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: John Tyler
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of John Tyler and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: James K Polk
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of James Polk and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Zachary Taylor
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of Zachary Taylor and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Missouri Compromise
A good look at the issues debated about the admission of new states, particularly those that would be made from the Louisiana Purchase. Read about why the issue of allowing slavery in the new states was such a hard decision for Congress....
Curated OER
National Park Service: Californio to American: A Study in Cultural Change
This site has a lesson about the ranching industry, creation of California towns and the changes over time. Contains information, inquiry question, historical context, maps, readings, and images.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Transportation to the Western Frontier
There were several modes of transportation for early settlers to use when they moved to the west. Middle schoolers will research and document four modes of transportation using the Internet and print resources in the library.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Spice Up the Nineteenth Century!
Students will make interactive outlines using the Internet of the reform movements, literature, trails, religion or technology of the early nineteenth century.