The Western Frontier

Historical Context:After the Civil WarPhysical expansion and

industrializationHomestead Act of 1862

◦160 acres out west for anyone who would live on the land and improve it

◦Half a million farmers (including thousands of freed African Americans) moved west

◦Thousands of miners went to find goldFirst transcontinental railroad = 1869

Historical Context:Disappearing Frontier

By 1890 the west had been transformed◦No longer open range and grazing buffalo◦Replaced by cattle ranches, railroads, fenced land

Indian nations disappeared◦Depended on buffalo for

survival◦Forced from land by settlers◦Sent to live in Indian Territory (Oklahoma)

Even that was opened up to settlers

Chief Joseph1840-1904Born in Oregon territoryLeader of Native American

tribe forced to IdahoOffered a treaty by

government but refusedWar began between U.S.

army and Chief Joseph’s people

Eventually surrendered because people were suffering too much

“I Will Fight No More Forever”

1. What happened to the other chiefs?

2. Who has been left to carry on the fight?

3. Why is Chief Joseph surrendering?4. Now that the battle is over, what

does Chief Joseph want to do?5. Describe Chief Joseph’s

relationship to his people.

Miriam Davis Colt1815-1900American pioneer traveling westFamily joining a commune of

vegetarians in the Kansas territoryKept a journal to

describe what she saw and felt on the trip and upon arrival