Wyoming became the first U.S. territory to grant women the right to vote in 1869, earning it the nickname "The Equality State." It officially joined the Union as the 44th state in 1890, with ranching, mining, and railroads shaping its early growth.
The Shoshone Nation, originally spread across the western United States, lived in areas of present-day Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. They were skilled hunters, gatherers, and horsemen, with distinct groups such as the Eastern, Northern, and Western Shoshone.
The Blackfoot Nation is made up of four tribes—the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani in Canada, and the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana. They are known for their strong warrior culture, buffalo hunting traditions, and rich spiritual practices.
The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal in 1803 where the United States bought over 800,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million, doubling the size of the nation. It gave the U.S. control of the Mississippi River and opened the way for westward expansion.
Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its territory across North America. It was used to justify westward expansion, the displacement of Native Americans, and wars such as the Mexican-American War.
Westward Trails Interactive Tours
Pick a trail below and follow the links to travel the entire trail. Switch to a different trail at any time.
The Nez Perce Wars took place in 1877 when the U.S. Army tried to force the Nez Perce people onto a reservation after gold was found on their land. Led by Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce fought bravely while traveling over 1,000 miles before finally surrendering near the Canadian border.
