17-HOW THE WEST WAS WON

HOW THE WEST WAS WON In 1776, the original thirteen English colonies of North America declared their independence and formed the United States of America. From that moment began the expansion toward the western territories, which were inhabited by Native Americans. In 1842, the first official trail crossing the Native American territories was established. It was called the Oregon Trail. In 1862, the U.S. government encouraged settling in the west by enacting a law called the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act provided 160 acres of land to anyone who

wanted to farm, build a house, and live out West for at least five years. Thousands of people migrated to the western territories. Who were these pioneers who decided to go and conquer the Wild West? They were people of every age, from every walk of life. Whole families left their homes in the East in search of a new life and land to settle. To cross the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, the pioneers traveled for months and months on wagons pulled by oxen, mules, or horses. The trip for these courageous people was hard, but their hearts were filled with enthusiasm and hope...