Settlement of the West

Over the course of history many settlers have laid claim on new and uncharted land, none perhaps were as courageous and determined as the settlers of the west in the eighteen hundreds. The settlement of the western United States took on many different faces, for example there were people who could have completely opposite reasons, but both would end up in the west. The west had a variety of endless possibilities. Just the sheer thought of an entirely new world appealed to many. The reasons for moving westward were infinite; one could only hope to better themselves and their life by moving westward. People came from all walks of life to start a new life in the west. Contrary to popular belief the poor and unemployed did not have the resources to move westward and establish themselves. It was more along the lines of the middle class and wealthy who helped to settle the west. They could not have had better timing; as the population grew cities became overcrowded. People were no longer living in such conditions thus sparking the "Great Migration" as it was often referred to as. Due to the ever increasing population,

the demand for livestock, agricultural, mineral, and lumber products grew.1 The journey west was no easy task, it was a grueling process that usually lasted months. Many different groups of people made the long journey. From miners and farmers to cattle ranchers the west was infiltrated with a plethora of settlers. Each seeking a certain aspect in which they could better

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themselves. The movement westward had an everlasting effect on the United States of America. Whether discussing the fiscal prosperity, social status or the geological impact that the settlement of the west had, it is certain that it changed the country forever. Throughout the nineteenth century, Americans embraced westward expansion as the key to ensuring the future prosperity and greatness of their nation.2 pg443john gast American progress 13.8

Reasons for Migration

The westward movement did not come without good rationale. There were a myriad of reasons to start heading west. Each different group had specific necessities that needed to be fulfilled. Some sought adventure; others wanted to escape the drab routine of factory or city life. Many moved to California for their health. The Mormons settled Utah to escape religious persecution. Others followed the mining camps, advancing railroads, and the farming and cattle frontier.3pg460 As the east kept developing, the west was only beginning. The east soon became overpopulated and mundane; it was day after day of the same thing. Working in the factory was not only dangerous, it was boring. The repetition of urban life took its toll on many, so they decided to take the long journey west, to escape it all and start a new life. Urban areas were also very structured, usually not allowing individuals to practice their own religion. The Mormons wished to escape religious persecution and that is just what the west allowed them to do. It was a place of unknown and many settlers sought to make it theirs.