In early 1848, gold nuggets were discovered in Sacramento Valley, which became the beginning of the California Gold Rush. This event helped to shape the history of the United States of America, especially the western states. Interesting facts about the era include: The discovery of gold caused one of the largest mass migrations in the… Continue reading 5 Interesting Facts about the California Gold Rush
The beginning of the American Frontier was marked by European settlement along the Atlantic coastline and eastern rivers, and continued until the last mainland states were added to the country in 1912. It was marked by the contrasting area at the edge of the European-American line of settlement, which moved steadily westward, from the 1630s… Continue reading The American Frontier – The Settlement of the West
When Europeans arrived in America, they discovered that the Native Americans had different ways of surviving the country’s rough terrain and harsh climates. In addition, their culture was unlike others that the Europeans had experienced previously. Their nomadic lifestyle meant that they had few possessions, but these items were made with great care and represented… Continue reading The Significance of Native American Cultural Items
The era of the Wild West is remembered in part for the numerous outlaws that plagued the towns. Although less of them are idolized, there were brave lawmen that were responsible for the downfall of many of these criminals. These included: Pat Garrett The legendary Patrick ‘Pat’ Garrett started his career as Lincoln County Sheriff… Continue reading Famous Lawmen in Western History
The bandits, gunslingers and outlaws in the Old West greatly outnumbered law enforcement agents. In addition to violent crimes, criminals used the inconsistent justice system as an excuse to commit robberies whenever they could. They were often caught and punished by vigilantes, whose penalties could be much more severe than those of the law. Some… Continue reading Crimes in the Wild West
