Reaching the Mississippi: The Edge of the Frontier By 1813, America’s western frontier stretched to the Mississippi River, marking a major milestone in the nation’s expansion. At its heart stood St. Louis, Missouri—the largest town on the frontier and a hub for trade and travel. Even then, St. Louis was known as the “Gateway to the West,” a fitting title …
Westward Expansion: The Harsh Beginnings of America’s Frontier Farmers
The Struggle to Move West Westward expansion in the United States did not happen quickly or easily. The journey beyond the original colonies demanded courage, endurance, and determination. Settlers faced political restrictions, natural obstacles, and the daunting task of surviving on unfamiliar land. The American dream of heading west began as a slow, hard-fought process—one that would eventually define the …


