The West begins as the whole world to the people who live there. It becomes a New World.
Americans head west along many pathways.
The Gold Rush brings the whole world to the West.
Civil war comes early to the West.
A triumph of the human spirit, the transcontinental railroad opens a new era in the West.
The federal government tightens its grip on the West.
Newcomers arrive by the millions, bringing a spirit of conformity to the West.
As settlers race to claim tribal lands, Native Americans take up the Ghost Dance.
As the 20th century neared, Americans celebrated with the World Columbian Exposition.
