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Fort Laramie Treaty
Fort Laramie TreatyThe U.S. government met with the Indians near Fort Laramie and created a compromise called the Fort Laramie Treaty. The compromise said that the Indians would stay in a limited area, but they would get to keep it forever. The government also promised money, agricultural tools, ect. This situation is both ironic and significant, because in 1858 gold was found on the Indians land and they were forced off it to make room for miners. This angered the Indians and caused The Chivington Massacre. -
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The Comstock Lode
The Comstock LodeThe Comstock Lode was discovered by two miners and Henry Comstock was made a partner. They originally complained about the blue sand that covered the gold, but they soon found out that it was silver. The Comstock Lode was a gold mine and one of the richest silver mines in the world. Miners came into the area, trying to make claims. The Comstock Lode is significant because of its immense fortunes, for creating the growth of Nevada and San Francisco, and for its advances in mining technology. -
The Homestead Act
The Homestead ActThe Homestead Act gave free land to people who were willing to move. These "Homesteaders" also had to be 21 years old or the head of a household. The Homestead Act also qualified for single women, immigrants, farmers without their own land, and former slaves. They also had to live on the land, build a house, and improve the land over a 5 year time span. The land was free, but there was an $18 filing fee and pay to get there. This act was one of the most influential things that populated the west -
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The Construction of the Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental RailroadThe Transcontinental Railroad was built by the Central and Union Pacific companies. The Central Pacific Railroad began in Sacramento, California and met with the Union Pacific Railroad, which began in Omaha, Nebraska, in Promontory Point, Utah. The government lent them money and gave them land through subsidies. Many immigrants worked on the railroad and they had to go through two different mountain ranges. This is an important time, because the railroad united us and populated the south. -
Nevada
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Chivington Massacre
Sand Creek MassacreIn 1864, the Indians had previously attacked white settlers and now the settlers struck back. Colonel John Chivington attacked a Cheyanne village, even though they raised a white flag of surrender and an American Flag. Instead, he ignored the flags and commanded his troops to destroy the villlage and take no prisoners. In the end, Chivington's men massacred over 200 men, women, and children. This made a lasting impact as many americans were horrified at the bloodshed that had just occured. -
Nebraska
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The Cattle Kingdom
The Cattle KingdomThe Cattle Kingdom began with an increasing demand for meat in the East. Cowboys resolved their issue with cattle drives, rounding up and driving cattle to railroads. The cowhands on the trail could work up to 18 hours a day and they faced many dangers, such as stampedes. Cow towns were built where the cattle drives ended. Soon, the farmers put up barbed wire fences to keep the animals out and the Cattle Kingdom ended, but the idea of a heroic "cowboy" made a lasting impact on America. -
Oklahoma Land Rush
Oklahoma Land Rush The Oklahoma Land Rush was a race to the claim the best in Oklahoma. People from all over the U.S. came to Oklahoma and lined up at the starting point. An official shot a shotgun and everybody ran to claim a piece of land. There were also people called the "Sooners" who snuck into Oklahoma before the legal entry time to claim the best land before others. This seemingly free land caused the rapid growth of Oklahoma that is still evidenced today. -
Battle of Wounded Knee
Battle of Wounded KneeThe Lakota people were upset by the shooting that took their leader, Sitting Bull's, life, so they fled the reservation. They made it to Wounded Knee Creek, before the Americans caught up. The Indians were preparing to surrender when someone accidently fired a shot. The troops opened fire and by the time it was done, almost 300 Native Americans had been massacred. This signified the end of the Ghost Dance.
