Westward Expansion

Government Web Sources

American Memory: Century of Lawmaking: A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation consists of a linked set of published congressional records of the United States of America from the Continental Congress through the 43rd Congress, 1774-1875 and is made available by the Library of Congress American Memory collection. Use the "search all titles" feature to and do a keyword search on "Louisiana Purchase" or "exploring expedition" to find other journeys by other parties.
American Memory: The Nineteenth Century in Print: A collection within the Library of Congress American Memory collection, search popular 19th century journals made available online for "Louisiana Purchase" and other topics about Westward expansion.
History of the American West: 1860-1920: This collection contains 30,000 photographs, from the holdings of the Western History and Genealogy Department at Denver Public Library, that illustrate many aspects of the history of the American West. Most of the photographs were taken between 1860 and 1920.

Museum of Westward Expansion: The National Parks Service has a museum of Westward Expansion, where you can interact online Audio clips feature narratives from prominent figures such as Thomas Jefferson, William Clark, a Buffalo Soldier, and an 1846 pioneer woman, plus links to information about mountain men and trappers, soldiers, American Indians, St. Louis commerce, miners and more.
Western Expansion and Reform (1829-1859): The Library of Congress created: America's Story from America's Library site, and it has a section on Westward expansion that includes lots of links to famous figures and events of the time period.

Lewis and Clark (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers): Includes Corps Planning Activities, related sites, graphics, and bicentennial trivia.
Lewis and Clark Expedition and the USGS: Includes links for science along the Lewis and Clark Trail, natural history links, USGS Exhibits, mapping America, and sections on Native Americans, for kids and teachers.
Lewis and Clark National Trail: This is the National Parks Service's Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Web page. Use the sidebar to find information on Trail History, Trail Sites, Pictures and Maps.
Library of Congress Exhibit: This site from the Library of Congress contains lots of history, graphics, maps, and a bibliography on Lewis and Clark.

American Military History: The Center for Military History published an online version of American Military History that includes the Mexican War and battles on the frontier.
Mexican War: The National Archives has a section on the Mexican war military resources.

The Avalon Project: The Avalon Project from Yale's Law School has several primary documents available online covering the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican war, the admission of New Mexico as a state, and more.
PBS Lewis and Clark: PBS broadcast an episode covering Lewis and Clark's journey. This site has links to learn more about the Corps of Discovery, Native Americans, an interactive trail map, living histories, and more.
PBS New Perspectives on the West: This site contains documentary materials including memoirs, journals, letters, photos and transcripts, and a library of primary source materials on the history of the American West, reflecting the five years' research that went into the production of THE WEST.
National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration: The Commemoration is supported by numerous government agencies, state, county and city governments, and nonprofit organizations. Contains news, weblog links, and more. Macromedia Flash is needed to view some parts of the site.

Exploration of the Red river of Louisiana, in the year 1852: W 7.5:M 33/3 (Docs/Workroom); by Randolph B. Marcy, captain Fifth infantry U.S. Army; assisted by George B. McClellan, brevet captain U.S. engineers. With reports on the natural history of the country and numerous illustrations.
Notes of a military reconnoissance, from Fort Leavenworth, in Missouri, to San Diego, in California, including part of the Arkansas, Del Norte, and Gila rivers: W 7.5:EM 6 (Docs/Workroom); by W.H. Emory.
Report of the exploring expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the year 1842: and to Oregon and North California in the years 1843-44: W 7.5:F 88/1 (Docs/Workroom); by Brevet Captain J.C. Frâemont.
Reports of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean: W 7.14:vol.# (Docs/Workroom); These Pacific Railroad surveys were made under the direction of the Secretary of War, in 1853-4, according to acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854.

The territorial papers of the United States: GS 4.13: and S 1.36:; Covers: Northwest Territory, north and south of the river Ohio, The Territory of Mississippi, Indiana Territory, Territory of Orleans, Territory of Michigan, Territory of Louisiana - Missouri, Territory of Illinois, Territory of Alabama, Territory of Arkansas, Territory of Florida, Territory of Wisconsin.

Indian affairs: laws and treaties: (Documents Reference Shelves); by Charles Kappler, this 7 volume set is also available online from Oklahoma State.
Guide to American Indian Documents in the Congressional Serial Set: 1817-1899: (Documents Reference Shelves); Use this guide to find congressional information dealing with Native Americans in the 19th century.
Handbook of North American Indians: (Documents Reference Shelves); These handbooks from the Smithsonian Institution provide histories of various Native American tribes, maps, and studies on culture, language, art and more. A good reference source for background information.

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