The New West, 1860-1914 western frontiers & the war for the west HI 112, Spring 2011 Tona Hangen Worcester State University

“Like the South, the West is a region wrapped in myths and constricted by stereotypes”

History Mythbuster Choose ONE of the following myths about the American West and “bust” it with evidence from your readings The West’s land was available and empty Going West was a way to get rich quick Western towns were lawless and violent places The West was “won,” meaning the Indians disappeared The American frontier ended in 1890 The West offered the promise of freedom and independence to all comers; it was the place where true American democracy was realized The West was less diverse than other regions of the US – mostly white men

Great Plains Diverse Western Landscapes Southwest Rocky Mountains Pacific Northwest

Great Basin California

The Horse Frontier meets The Gun Frontier 1675-1750 Source: Jones, Created Equal, 142

Woman’s dress, Arapaho (Wyoming) Man’s shirt, Crow (Montana)

Frederick Remington

Mandan Village, 1830s – Minnesota Painted by George Caitlin

Trails West, 1840-1870

John Gast, “American Progress,” (1872)

Santee Sioux Uprising1862 Sand Creek Massacre 1868

Execution of the “Dakota 38,” 26 December 1862 at Mankato (Artist W. H. Childs, courtesy Minnesota Historical Society Santee Sioux Uprising, 1862

Recruitment poster for “Indian Fighters” volunteer cavalry Central City (Denver), Colorado, 1864 Colonel John M. Chivington, Colorado Militia "I have come to kill Indians, and believe it is right and honorable to use any means under God's heaven to kill Indians." Sand Creek Massacre, 1864