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...
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
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...
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...
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!
Young scholars will make interactive outlines using the Internet of the reform movements, literature, trails, religion or technology of the early nineteenth century.
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.
Other
The Gold Rush: Fever
This resource provides information about the Gold Rush, and fever that took place during westward expansion.
![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 students 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
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Trade and Migration, 1840 1850
A map of the United States showing the principal trade and westward migration routes between 1840 and 1850. The map shows state and territory boundaries at the time, major cities, ports, outposts, forts, and settlements, rivers, mountain...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: The United States, 1821
A map of the United States and territories showing the westward expansion after the Missouri Compromise (1820) and the admission of Missouri into the Union in 1821.
Curated OER
Etc: Maps Etc: United States Population Density, 1900
A map from 1912 of the United States, subtitled "Distribution of Population and Railways in 1900" showing the increase in population and expansion of the railroad network since 1850. The map is color-coded to show population densities...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Exploration: Lewis and Clark
A very brief overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition, focusing on the beginning and western terminus of the trip.
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.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Native Resistance in the Trans Appalachian West
This site gives a brief look at the Indian alliance built by Tecumseh to confront the U.S. military which wanted to protect the settlers moving west into Indian territory.
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.