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Mexico wins Independence from Spain
Mexico takes control of New Mexico and California territory after winning a revolution -
The Indian Removal act is passed
Granted President Andrew Jackson the funding and authority to remove the Indians residing east of the Mississipi -
The Texas Rebellion Begins
Texan leaders declare independence from Mexico, Fight ensues -
Treaty of New Echota is signed
ceded all Cherokee land for $5.6 million and free transportation west. Most Cherokees rejected the treaty, but resistance was futile. Between 1835 and 1838 bands of Cherokee Indians moved west of the Mississippi along the so-called Trail of Tears. Between 2,000 and 4,000 of the 16,000 migrating Cherokees died. -
The Alamo
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his 4,000 troops seiged the town of San Antonio, the Texans retreated to a mission, the Alamo, where after inflicting 1,500 casualities on the Mexican troops, they were wiped out on march 6. The Alamo becomes a symbol of the Texans' determination to win independence. -
Texas admitted to the Union
After multipe wars and annexation attempts, Texas is officially granted statehood and becomes the 28th state. -
Gold Discovered
Gold is found at Sutters Mill at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This sparks a gold rush which brings tens of thousands of new settlers to California -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is Signed
at the end of the Mexican War, Texas, New Mexico, and California, are ceded to the United States -
The First Transcontinental Railroad is Completed
The first transcontinental railroad is completed when the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads join their tracks at Promontory Point, Utah. six to eight month trips now take just one week. -
Arizona is Admitted to the Union
As the last of the 48 contiguous states, Arizona is admitted into the Union. completing the century-long process of conquering and organizing the American West.
