The West of the Mississippi River is one of the most iconic landscapes and regions of the United States. Spanning an area of over 1.2 million square miles, roughly one-fourth of the American continent, the land west of the Mississippi River was a vast wilderness. It was a place of exploration and great opportunity, but also a dangerous journey filled with physical and emotional trials.
The United States acquired this land through a variety of treaties and agreements in the 18th and 19th centuries. England, France, Spain, Mexico, and Native American tribes all played a role in settling the land west of the Mississippi. Even the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1803-1806, the first U.S. government sponsored exploration of the western region, made significant contributions to how the land was ultimately acquired.
The U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for fifteen million dollars in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. This acquisition doubled the size of the United States and added 828 000 square miles of 21st-century U.S. states and territories – including Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Texas.
In 1819, Spain ceded Florida to the United States with the Adams-Onís Treaty. The treaty also established the border on the western edge of the Mississippi that would later become the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexico was in control of the area west of the Mississippi when it declared its independence in 1821. After gaining its independence, Mexico signed the Adams-Onis Treaty as well. But there were still disputes over the boundary along the Rio Grande and the border was negotiated and finally established under the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in 1848.
The United States also was able to acquire land through several Native American treaties. The most notable of these was the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868. Under this treaty, an area known as the Great Sioux Reservation was established as an area for the Sioux Nation. This land covered parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. The area was later reduced as a result of the 1877 Act for the Relief of the Mission Indians, which called for the land to be parceled with homesteads and the reservation reduced from 138 million acres to just 28 million acres.
Finally, the United States acquired Alaska in 1867 from Russia for seven million dollars, beginning the final phase of the American exploration and settlement of the West. Taken together, all these acquisitions shaped the American West. From pristine forests to vast deserts, mountain ranges, and river systems, the land west of the Mississippi was a major part of the history of the United States and a fundamental factor in its growth and development.
Native American Presence
The American Indians had a presence in the area west of the Mississippi River long before the U.S. obtained the land in a series of acquisitions. As early as 1541, the Spaniards explored the territory and interacted with the Native Americans who lived there. By 1803, the land west of the river was treated as a de facto buffer zone between the United States and Canada, and the United States obtained treaties with some Native American tribes as it expanded westward.
The first formal treaty with a Native American tribe west of the Mississippi was the 1804 treaty with the Choctaw tribe. The Choctaw ceded about 24 million acres in what is now Mississippi to the U.S. in exchange for annuity payments. The treaty set the precedent for the subsequent treaties signed by other tribes in the area, including the Chickasaw in 1805, the Osage in 1808, the Pawnee in 1812, and the Quapaw in 1818.
Eventually, the U.S. acquired more than 400 million acres of land west of the Mississippi, most of which was obtained through treaties with Native American tribes. The treaties granted the tribes annuities and other payments for their lands and allowed the U.S. to move further west and bring more settlers to the area. It is estimated that Native Americans lost more than 145 million acres of land from 1803 to 1849, and their presence in the region was dramatically reduced.
Environmental Legacy
The exploration and settlement of the American West had a significant impact on the environment of the region. As settlers moved in, they brought with them the trappings of a modern industrial culture, including new technology and infrastructure such as roads, railroads, and dams. The industrialization of the region changed the landscape and brought new threats to the environment, such as air and water pollution.
The development of the West also had a massive impact on wildlife. Hunting and the introduction of exotic species caused populations of some animals to decline dramatically, while other species were eliminated completely from their habitats. The widespread use of herbicides and pesticides also had a negative impact on wildlife, resulting in the death of many birds and other animals. These changes had a major impact on the way humans interacted with the landscape and the richness of the region’s biodiversity.
The legacy of the exploration and settlement of the West can still be seen in the region today. Although the land has changed drastically over the years, the natural beauty of the region remains. And though the environmental impact was significant, the region has been able to recover in many areas and the wildlife populations have been able to rebound to some degree.
Economic Impact
The exploration and settlement of the American West had a huge economic impact on the region, and even today, the economic effects of the region’s development are still felt. The development of the West opened up new areas for agricultural production, mining, and manufacturing, all of which had a major impact on the region’s economy. Agricultural production in the region provided many new jobs, while mining operations and manufacturing helped to create a unique economy in the West.
The development of the region also resulted in the rapid expansion of cities and towns. These cities and towns served as hubs for the transport of goods and services, providing more economic opportunities for residents of the West. With the creation of cities and towns, the population of the region exploded and the West became a major contributor to the U.S. economy.
Today, the West is still a major contributor to the U.S. economy, providing a variety of goods and services. The region’s continued growth has spurred the development of new industries, such as technology and tourism, creating more economic opportunities in the region. The American West is an integral part of the American economy, and its economic impact is felt throughout the country.
Cultural Impact
The exploration and settlement of the American West had a significant impact on the culture of the region. As settlers moved in, they brought with them their own ideas, customs, and language, creating a unique culture in the region. The traditional cultures of the Native Americans also played a role in shaping the region’s culture, and their influence can still be seen today.
The rapid expansion of cities and towns in the region also had an impact on the culture of the West. The influx of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs helped to create a vibrant and diverse culture in the region. This diversity has allowed the region to become an eclectic mix of cultures, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors and residents alike.
Today, the culture of the West is still a reflection of the history and heritage of the region. The region’s culture is a mix of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences, creating a unique cultural experience unlike any other in the United States. From the vibrant energy of cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles to the historic towns of the Rocky Mountains, the culture of the West is a reflection of the region’s history and its past.
Political Impact
The settlement of the American West had a direct effect on the politics of the United States as well. As more people moved into the region, the population and political clout of the area increased, resulting in a greater level of political power for the region. This political power was expressed through the election of representatives from the new states, the creation of new laws, and the protection of rights for the Native American tribes in the area.
The political influence of the West was also expressed through the formation of major political parties. The Republicans and Democrats both formed regional branches to help organize their efforts in the region, and the Republican Party was particularly successful in establishing a foothold in the West. The West’s political clout eventually allowed the region to play a major role in the presidents elected and the policies enacted throughout U.S. history.
Today, the political influence of the West is still felt in the United States. The region has elected some of the most influential presidents in U.S. history and has passed a number of important laws that still shape the politics of the nation today. As the region grows and develops, the political influence of the West will only continue to increase, making it an integral part of the American political system.
