Things and Ideas in the American West

American Westward Expansion
Includes maps of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, the Santa Fe, Oregon, Overland and Mormon Pioneer Trails, the Pony Express Route and Key Dates of Expansion.
European Emigration
As an example of European mass emigration to America propelling the expansion westward during the 19th century, the Swedish case is rather typical. Explained are the reasons for leaving the "old country" and what the Swedes could expect to find in the "new country". There is also a story of Bengt Lindeblad's (the original web-master of this site) own emigration experiences about 100 years later.
Research Areas
A tremendous amount of historical information about the American West.
America's Freedom Documents
The migration westward was driven by the pursuit of happiness, liberty, freedom and justice. Here is a fantastic link to the very documents that "We the People" had agreed upon to help facilitate our goals.
The American Revolution
This site contains a complete American history, from the colonial period until modern times, including westward expansion.
Academy of Achievement
Brings you face to face with the extraordinary individuals who have shaped the twentieth century. It is an amazing collection, not of mere artifacts, but of people and ideas that fill you with inspiration, encouragement, and the will to achieve.

Contribution from Schools to the American West
Schools on the History and Development of the American West are welcome to contribute with stories and graphics to this section through their web-site (we will link up to it free of charge, in return we hope you will establish a link to our site) providing that the same high standard is applied to the contributed material. See our first contributions. We are also adding links that could be useful to teachers and students.

Arts & Sciences

American Archaeology

Music - to be expanded soon.

Images From The Old West
WESTERN FILMS
Rattlesnake Jack's Old West Clip Art Parlour, North West Rebellion Emporium and Rocky Mountain Ranger Patrol.
Selected Images From the National Archives.

Buffalo - and other animals
Buffalo once roamed from Canada to Mexico; herds were estimated at about 60 million at the time ("the plains were black and appeared as in motion"). Buffalos were also the center of life for the plains tribes of Native Americans, providing them with food, shelter, clothing and spiritual inspiration.

Transportation

River Steamboats
Very good article on the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, IL, page.
Hudson River Steamboats, chapter four by: Fred Erving Dayton.
THE NECHES RIVER COTTON STEAMBOATS: A ROMANTIC INTERLUDE OF FRONTIER DAYS By W. T. Block (reprinted from 1878).
The Log of Harry G. Dyer: Steamboatman, Upper Mississippi, 1881-1902.
A Review of Early Navigation on the Kansas River.
The First Kansas-Built Steamer
How the River Was, (with a great bluegrass background!)
BELLE OF CHELAN in Washington State.
Mississippi River History, Cape Girardeau Riverfront.
Steamboat on the Cumberland Nashville, Tennessee 1855.
The WAY WEST, the Missouri River
Ouachita River Steamboat Era.
STEAMBOAT NENANA
Steamship Historical Society of America Collection
Extracts From the Immigration Report of 1862 (Canada)
STEAMBOAT NENANA
A list of photograph collections in the St. Louis Public Library.

Railroads
Railroad Maps

Archiving Early America
Internet Resources for Teachers

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