1776 – 1845
From the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, Americans explored the vast western territories of the United States. The Louisiana Purchase opened up huge areas for exploration, leading to the discovery of new lands and routes. This period, often associated with the idea of the Old West, had a significant impact on Native Americans, who faced displacement and conflict as explorers ventured into their territories. The spirit of adventure and the quest for new opportunities defined this era of exploration.
Picture books
The Amazing Impossible Erie Canal
Fascinating story of the Erie Canal’s planning and construction
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Johnny Appleseed
Simple, rhyming introduction to Johnny Appleseed
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Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and The Trail of Tears
Illustrated introduction to the Trail of Tears
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Mountain Men: True Grit and Tall Tales
Fun collection of stories and tall tales about fur trappers in the Old West
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The Erie Canal
Cheerful picture book based on the Erie Canal folk song
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Chapter books
American Tall Tales
Collection of folk stories about the mythical Old West
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Black Heroes of the Wild West: Featuring Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons
Graphic novel with three extraordinary true stories about Old West figures
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Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran
Exciting novel based on the true story of a Shoshoni girl on a long journey home after being taken captive
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Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears
Stirring story of a Cherokee girl on the Trail of Tears
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On This Long Journey
Fictional diary of a Cherokee boy on the Trail of Tears
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Non-fiction books
Blades of Freedom: A Tale of Haiti, Napoleon, and the Louisiana Purchase
Excellent graphic novel introduction to the Haitian Revolution and its ties to the Louisiana Purchase
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Wild West (DK Eyewitness Books)
Photograph-rich overview of the world of the Old West
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An Indian Winter
True story of adventurers exploring the Missouri River Valley
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What’s the Deal? Jefferson, Napoleon, and the Louisiana Purchase
Engaging explanation of the Louisiana Purchase
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Hunted Like a Wolf: The Story of the Seminole War
Explanation of the Seminole War, for older readers
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Forced Removal: Causes and Effects of the Trail of Tears
Detailed exploration of the causes and effects of the Trail of Tears
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Buffalo Hunt
Exciting account of Great Plains Indians’ buffalo hunts
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Manifest Destiny: A Primary Source History of America’s Territorial Expansion in the 19th Century
History of the idea of manifest destiny through primary source extracts, for older readers
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The Erie Canal: A Primary Source History of the Canal That Changed America
History of the Erie Canal and its impact through primary source extracts, for older readers
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Biographies
Who Was Daniel Boone?
Thorough introduction to the famous frontiersman and his impact
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Who Was Johnny Appleseed?
Introduction to the legendary frontiersman and his impact
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Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Inspiring story of a man who escaped slavery to become a Deputy US Marshal in the Old West
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Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad
Exciting biography of a leader of the Black Seminoles, descendants of Seminoles and escaped slaves
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