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Astor Organized American Fur Company
The American Fur Company was the country's leading fur company. Eventually it failed because of a decline in the fur business. -
James Madison Becomes President
In 1809, James Madison beat Charles Cotesworth Pinckney in the presidential race. He served from 1809 to 1817. -
Spain to Approves Adams-Onis Treaty
The Spanish agreed to set the limits of their territory at what is now California's northern border and to give up all claims to Oregon. -
Spain Ceded Florida
Spain realized keeping their claim to Florida would be impossible as America grew, so they decided to give it to the U.S. -
Americans Begin to Settle Oregon Country
In the 1830s, Americans began to travel the Oregon Trail and settle in Oregon Country. This was a part of Manifest Destiny unfolding. -
Mexican Cannon Fire Smashes Alamo Walls
After 13 days of attacks at the Alamo, Mexican cannon fire smashed though the walls. This led to an American defeat at the Alamo. -
Texas Becomes a State
After the Alamo, Texas became an independent country for a period of time, then asked to join the Union as a state. -
California Gains Independence
On June 14, 1846, California gained its independence from Mexico and became the Bear Flag Republic. -
Polk and Britain Set the 49 degree N Border
After a long debate, Polk and Britain finally agreed to set the territory border at 49 N. -
America Wins American-Mexican War
In September of 1847, American won the American-Mexican War. This led to the United States now having control of California and the New Mexico Territory. -
Mormons Found Settlement
In 1847, the Mormons founded a settlement at the Great Salt Lakes. This area later joined the Union as Utah. -
California Gold Rush Begins
In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill. This led to an explosion of people moving to California in hope to find riches. Those who arrived in 1849 were called forty-niners.
