Exploration of the American West

In the 1800s, the western part of the United States was mostly unknown to Americans living in the east. Explorers, mountain men, and settlers traveled west to see what was there. They found mountains, deserts, rivers, and vast plains. Their journeys helped shape the country we know today.

Early Explorers

Lewis and Clark were among the first Americans to explore the West. In 1804, they traveled from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean and back. Mountain men like Jim Bridger and Kit Carson explored the Rocky Mountains. John C. Fremont mapped trails that thousands of settlers would later follow.

Westward Expansion

As more people learned about the West, thousands packed up and headed that way. They traveled in covered wagons along trails like the Oregon Trail. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought even more people. However, this expansion was harmful to Native American peoples who had lived on these lands for thousands of years.

Fun Facts

• Lewis and Clark's journey covered about 8,000 miles and took over two years.
• The Oregon Trail was about 2,000 miles long from Missouri to Oregon.
• The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought about 300,000 people to California.

Did You Know?

A Shoshone woman named Sacagawea helped Lewis and Clark on their journey by translating languages and finding food along the way.