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Immigration and Westward Expansion
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Leaving Italy
After being widowed, I decide to take my 13 year old son, Anthony, with me to America. My father has already traveled there successfully, so I plan to meet him. Hopefully he can help me find a job so we won't have to live with him for long. I am not looking forward to the long boat ride, but I am ready to start over. Hopefully Anthony will like America. I think he will do better there than here in Italy. -
Ellis Island
My son and I have finally made it to America. We knew we were close to freedom once we saw the massive Statue of Liberty. Getting through Eliis Island was more difficult than I thought it would be, though. There were many questions, some I thought were innappropriate. I'm lucky to have gotten through, they held a lot of women back because they were traveling alone and not meeting anyone. I'm glad that my dad was there waiting for me, I'm not sure I could have managed without him. -
Our New Lives in America
America is different than I thought it would be. Though we are one of the wealthier families, our home is still small and dirty, and we have to share the complex with one other family. It was harder then I expected to find a job, and I think it was because I am a woman. Basically the only jobs that are available are labor jobs, which was not what I had in mind when I decided to come here. But I make some money, so I guess I should be happy. -
Moving West
I have saved enough money to take my boy and move west. I have heard great things about it there, like how they are giving away free land which is fantastic for farming. There are also railroads that run between the cites. This should make transportation easier. There are other reasons I intend to leave... one of which being that I hear women have more respect in the west, and I am tired of how my boss treats me here. -
Our Life in the West
Anthony offered to win us our land in one of the races that was held. His horse wasn't the fastest, but he found an amazing piece of land. We lost a lot of our money getting him the horse, so he is forced to work on the railroads. It's a dangerous job, and he is away from home most of the time, but we need the money. I have started to grow crops, but it is proving to be quite a challenge. -
Native Americans
Lately there have been many run-ins with the local Native Americans. Anthony says he sometimes sees them hunting. Last night was the first night I actually saw them. They attacked my small community, leaving three dead, and two wounded. When I asked around, I found they were angry because our presence here has brought many diseases in which they are not immune to. I have also heard that they don't like their new reservations. -
Moving Back
Anthony, along with two others, died in a minor train accident. I am beside myself with grief, and because I have no income, I have decided to move back east. I like it here, but I need my dad's support right now, both financially and mentally. After traveling back, I remarry. My new husband and I take over the business after my father passes.
