iCivics
I Civics: Annexation of Texas (1845)
Learners explore how the state of Texas was established. They will learn how Texas fought for independence from Mexico, the role of slavery in delaying Texas' admission, and how it was eventually incorporated into the Union.
Ohio State University
Osu History Teaching Institute: Indian Removal
This lesson looks at the process whereby a policy of assimilation gave way to one of overt removal under President Jackson.
Other
Migration Patterns From Virginia
An informative site that discusses "Causes of Migration, Pathways to the West, and Kentucky and Tennessee." Individual pioneer families are discussed and tracked.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Transcontinental Railroad
Explore the mechanics of railroad trains. Investigate boom towns and explore the life and challenges of sheriffs in these frontier settlements.
PBS
Pbs the West: The Grandest Enterprise Under God
The critically acclaimed PBS series, "The West," depicts the coming of the railroad throughout the west and the consequences of the settling of the west.
Ducksters
Ducksters: History for Kids: The Log Cabin
Kids learn about the log cabin of the Old West. Learn how a single room home built from tree trunks and mud using no nails.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: William Henry Harrison
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of William Henry Harrison and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Curated OER
Etc: Maps Etc: Westward March of the Great Pioneers and Explorers, 1911
A map of the United States showing the historic sea and land routes taken by famous explorers across North America, from the coastal explorations of Cabot and Corte Real in the Northeast, Ponce de Leon and Alvarez in Florida and the Gulf...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Northwest Ordinance
Enacted through the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance led to the organization of the Northwest Territory and expedited the expansion of the United States westward. This is a thorough explanation of the ordinance.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Thomas Benton
Thomas Hart Benton (3/14/1784 - 4/10/1858) was a U.S. Senator from Missouri and a staunch advocate of westward expansion of the United States. He served in the Senate from 1821 to 1851, becoming the first member of that body to serve...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: The United States, 1830
A map of the United States in 1830 showing the states and territories, the joint-occupation with Britain in Oregon Country, and the British and Spanish possessions at the time. The map shows the westward expansion of the United States,...
Curated OER
Etc: Center of Population, 1790 1900
A map from 1919 showing the mean center of population of the United States, calculated at each census from 1790 to 1900. The map illustrates the westward expansion of territory and migration during the period. "The center of population...
Curated OER
Etc: New England Colonies, 1620 1641
A map of the New England Colonies showing the westward expansion of the Pilgrims from Plymouth (1620) to Stamford, Connecticut (1641). The map shows settlements in the area with dates of establishment given, colony boundaries, New...
Curated OER
Etc: Native American Delimitations, 1763 1770
A map of the American colonies and territories west to the Mississippi River between the end of the French and Indian War of 1763 and the beginnings of westward expansion of the trans-Appalachian colony proposed in the Vandalia Project...
Curated OER
Etc: Central America and Isthmian Routes, 1846 1860
A map of Central America during the period of westward expansion in the United States when the need to find a shorter practical shipping route from the east coast to the west coast was a principle concern. This map shows the proposed...
Curated OER
Etc: Maps Etc: Distribution of Population , 1850
A map of the United States showing the population distribution in 1850. The map is coded to show population densities ranging from under 2 inhabitants per square mile to over 90 inhabitants per square mile. The map illustrates the...
Curated OER
Etc: Principal Routes of Trade and Migration, 1840 1850
A map of the United States between 1840 and 1850 showing the states and territories, and the principal routes of transportation and westward migration during the period. The map shows frontier forts, outposts, and settlements, the...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: Natl Historic Landmarks in Ca: Yuma Crossing and Associated Sites
A major crossroads for Alta California as well as the Westward expansion of the United States. It has several archaeological and historical sites, shared with Arizona across the Colorado River, including Fort Yuma and other state parks.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Thomas H. Benton
(1782-1858) Thomas Hart Benton, also called Old Bullion, was an American Senator from Missouri and an advocate of westward expansion of the United States.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Thomas Hart Benton
Thomas Hart Benton nicknamed "Old Bullion" (March 14, 1782 - April 10, 1858), was a U.S. Senator from Missouri and a staunch advocate of westward expansion of the United States.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Chronology of the Dakota Conflict (Sioux Uprising) Trial
Contains a chart of the chronology of the Dakota Conflict trials from 1851 to 1890.
Oakland Museum of California
Gold Rush: California on the Eve Californios
This resource presents information about the Spanish influence in California before the Gold Rush.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Moving West, Natural Disasters
Assign reasons from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to explain pioneers' migration to and return from the American plains in the 1800s. Research, write and produce a newspaper dedicated to a natural disaster such as the 19th-century drought.
PBS
Pbs: Indian Territory
This site from PBS provides a short description and map of "the Indian Territory set aside by the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the areas designated for each tribe."