Farmers

In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act. This offered free land to settlers. Farmers wanted to take advantage of this act and decided to move west.

Free land? Let's go!

Farmers had moved across the Great Plains and farther west. Some states include Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Because the farmers moved west, the U.S. now produces more than $200 billion of cattle, fruits, vegetables, and more.

49ers

After discovering gold in California, prospectors made their way over. These prospectors are known as the 49ers. Many people across the U.S. traveled to California. Because of the Gold Rush, San Fransisco became a boom town, and California began to grow.

Mormons

The Mormons first moved to New York to establish the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. Later, they moved to Illinois to grow their group.

After facing persecution, they moved to Great Salt Lake. Later, they gave up polygamy and Utah became a state.

Native

Americans

Settlers moving west started to drive the natives out of their lands. The tribes attempted to fight for their territory, but eventually they were forced out of their land and moved to smaller areas in the Great Plains.

More land was available for farmers, ranchers, and others moving west. Cultural practices were discouraged, and they were deprived from their hunting grounds. This resulted in hunger for the natives.

Cowboys

After the Natives were pushed out of the Great Plains, Cowboys moved in and wanted to create big businesses.