American West 1803-1893

By John A. Braithwaite

DIRECTIONS:

Using the accompanying documents, your knowledge of the time period and topic, and any other resources you have or care to consult, respond to the following question fully, accurately, and from a variety of viewpoints. This DBQ is a major departure from past ASA document based questions. Most of the sources given are quoted from a single printed source about a single major area in American History. The question is multi-dimensional, broad and sweeping. It will require the student to do substantial outside research in order to write a superior paper. This is a research based DBQ—not a test instrument!

QUESTION:

Western sectionalism in America was a major reality during the history of 19th century U.S. Discuss the historical forces, the unique locations, the movements, and the men who were responsible for the successful settlement of the Trans-Mississippi West 1800-1900.

PROMPT:

Discuss and analyze at least three basic areas of the West
Discuss the impact of events, ideas, and conflicts that developed in each area giving that area its character and uniqueness
Discuss at least three significant leaders that contributed to the settlement and development of the western region?
Discuss cultural and intellectual ideas that were unique to this region as a component of the settlement of the region.

DOCUMENT A

Source: The American West. p.13 Comments of John Muir.

So on the first of April 1868, I set out afoot for Yosemite. It was the blossom-time of the year over the lowlands and coast ranges; he landscapes of the Santa Clara Valley were fairly drenched with sunshine, all air was quivering with the songs of the meadow-larks, and the hills were so covered with flowers that the seemed to be painted. Slow indeed was my progress through these glorious gardens, the first of the California flora I had seen. Cattle and cultivation were making few scars as yet, and I wandered enchanted in long wavering curves, knowing by my pocket map that Yosemite Valley lay to the east and that I should surely find it.

Looking eastward from the summit of the Pacheco Pass one shining morning, a landscape was displayed that after all my wanderings still appears as the most beautiful I have ever beheld. At my feet lay the Great Central Valley of California, level and flowery, like a lake of pure sunshine, forty or fifty miles wide, five hundred miles long, one rich furred garden of yellow Compositae. And from the eastern boundary of this vast golden flower-bed rose the mighty Sierra, miles in height, and gloriously colored and so radiant, it seemed not clothed with light, but wholly composed of it, like the wall of some celestial city.

DOCUMENT B

Source: Geography of Lewis & Clark and Pike Expeditions in Western U.S.Surveying the Land. Volume I, p.51.

DOCUMENT C:

Source: “Migrations of the Hopi.:+” By Frank Waters.

And now before Masaw turned his face from them and became invisible, he explained that every clan must make four directional migrations before they all arrived at the common, permanent home. They must go to the ends of the land—west, south, east, and north—to the farthest paso (where the land meets the sea) in each direction. Only when the clans had completed these four movements, rounds, or steps of their migration could they come together again, forming the pattern of the Creator’s universal plan.

That is the way it was. Some clans started to the south, others to the north, retraced their routes to turn east and west, and then back again. All their routes formed a great cross whose center, Tuwanasavi, lay in what is now Hopi country in the southwestern part of the United States

DOCUMENT D:

John L. O’Sullivan, “On Manifest Destiny” Adapted from “Annexation” Democratic Review, July-August, 1845.

It is now time for opposition to the annexation of Texas to end. It is time for the common duty of patriotism to the country to take over. If this duty is not recognized, it at least time for common sense to give in to what is inevitable.

Texas is no longer to us a mere geographical place—a certain combination of coast, plain, mountain, valley, forest and stream. Patriotism, which is at once a sentiment and virtue, already begins to thrill for it is within the national heart.

If we needed a reason for taking Texas into the Union, it surely is to be found in the manner in which other nations have interfered in the matter. Their object is to oppose our policy and to check the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to spread over the continent. This we have seen done by England.

And these people will have a right to independence—to self-government, to possession of home conquered from the wilderness by their own labors and dangers, sufferings, and sacrifices. They will have a better and a truer right there than Mexico, a thousand miles away.

DOCUMENT E:

Source: The American West. Jefferson’s Letter to Meriwether Lewis.

“The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River, and such principal streams of it, as by its course and communication with waters of Pacific Ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado, or any other river may offer the most direct and practicable water-communication across the continent, for the purpose of commerce.”

“SIR: It is with pleasure that I announce to you the safe arrival of myself and party at this place (St. Louis) with our papers and baggage. No accident has deprived us of a single member of our party since we last wrote to you… In obedience to your orders we have penetrated the continent of North America to the Pacific Ocean

We view this passage across the continent as affording immense advantages to the fur trade… With respect to the exertions and services rendered by this estimable man Capt. Wm. Clark on this expedition I cannot say too much. If, sir, any credit be due...he is equally with myself entitled to the consideration of yourself and that of the common country.

Signed:

Meriweather Lewis

Lewis’s Letter to Jefferson, St. Louis, 1806

DOCUMENT F:

Animals that Made & Revolutionized Western History 1820-1890

Beaver, Buffalo, Deer, Grizzly Bear, Horse, Longhorn, & Sheep

DOCUMENT G:

Source:William H. Lacey, The Marital Status of the Mountain Men.Los Angeles, CA: Unpublished MA Thesis, University of Southern California, 1967. passim.

The trappers of the Far West, as ragged and primitive as they were, could not resist the security and affection of a good woman. Finding white women to trail [were] in short supply, the courted, loved and often married native women they encountered. In the Rockies they met Indian squaws; while in the Southwest village they found attractive Mexican women.

The trappers usually met the squaws at the annual summer rendezvous. After completing the trading during the first few days, trappers loosened up for rip-roaring time sustained by gallons of lethal alcohol and sadistic games. The Indian squaw provide “solace of the flesh” when needed. Her availability and different moral code (prostitution was void of moral taint) were reasons for her popularity. If the relationship grew into a love-match, the trapper began looking for other qualities. Hopefully she could cook, sew, and work. The squaws were hardened to hard labor because of her usual low status in many tribes.

While many marriages between trappers and squaws were of convenience and love, most were only semi-permanent. Many trappers practiced polygamy and serial monogamy. Marriage into tribes ensured safety.

Interracial marriages, like these were most peaceful. Trappers “logpoled” [beat] their wives as required. Many called their wives [with Anglo-names] Alice, Virginia, and Isabel; while others preferred the Indian names of “Running Fawn, Mountain Lamb, Still Water, or even Monkey.”

Divorces, which often resulted was a simple process. A trapper told his wife to go home, and she went. An even simpler method was abandonment.

In summary, the mountain man married the native women wherever their wanderings took them.

Document H:

Source: Nextext. The American West. Pp. 44-46

The Mountain Men, Indians and Race

While conversing to the extent of my ability with my father (Indian)…he suddenly demanded of me if I wanted a wife… I assented, of course. He strode to the lodge of one of the greatest braves, and asked one of his daughters of him to bestow upon his son, who the chief must have heard was also a great brave.

The ensuing day the three daughters were brought to my father’s lodge by their father, and I was requested to take my choice. “Still-water” was the eldest and I liked her name; if it was emblematic of her disposition, she was the one I would prefer “Still-water” was my choice.

My brothers made me present of twenty as fine horses as any in the nation—all trained war-horses.

…What could I do under the circumstances? Even if I should deny my Crow origin, they would not believe me. How could I dash with an unwelcome and incredible explanation all the joy that had been manifested on my return--the cordial welcome, the rapturous embraces of those who hailed me as a son and a brother, who when stolen as a child, had returned in the strength of maturity, graced with the name of great brave…I could not find it my heart to undeceive these unsuspecting people and tear myself away from their untutored caresses.

Thus I commenced my Indian life with the Crows. I therefore resolved to abide with them, to guard my secret, to do my best in their company, and in assisting them to subdue their enemies..

James P. Beckwourth.

Document I:

Source: Nextext. The American West. pp49-50

“THE MOUNTAIN MEN”

This man, known through the Territories and beyond them as “Rocky Mountain Jim” or, more briefly, as “Mountain Jim” is one of the famous scouts of the Plains, and is the original of some daring portraits in fiction concerning the Indian Frontier warfare. So far as I have at present heard, he is a man for whom there is now no room, for the time for blows and blood in this part of Colorado is past, and the fame of many daring exploits is sullied by crimes which are not easily forgiven here. He now has "“squatter’s claim,” but makes his living as a trapper, and is a complete child of the mountains. Of his genius and chivalry to women there does not appear to be any doubt; but he is a desperate character, and is subject to “ugly fits” when people think it best to avoid him. It is here regarded as an evil that he has located himself at the mouth of the only entrance to the park, for he dangerous with his pistols, and it would be safer if he were not here. His besetting sin is indicated in the verdict pronounced on him by my host: “When he’s sober Jim’s a perfect gentleman; but when he’s had liquor he’s the most awful ruffian in Colorado.”

Anonymous

DOCUMENT J:

Source: Nextext.The American West.pp79-81

The Mormon Migration

Notes of Brigham Young

MONDAY [May 10] travelled ten miles. Br. Appleton M. Harmon made an odometer attached to the wheel of Wm Clayton’s wagon, enabling Br Clayton to measure each days travel.

SUNDAY [June 27] Left the Sweetwater river and crossed the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains and camped on the Dry Sandy after traveling 15 ¼ miles. Moses Harris, a mountaineer, camped with us; from whom we received some Oregon newspapers and a “California Start” published at Yerba Buena by Br. Sam Brannan. He said the country around SaltLake was barren and sandy, destitute of timber and vegetation except wild sage.

MONDAY [June 28] Traveled 15 ¼ miles. Met Capt. James Bridger who said he was ashamed of Fremont’s map of this country, Bridger considered it imprudent to bring such a large population into the Great Basin until it was ascertained that grain could be raised. He said he would give one thousand dollars for a bushel of corn raised in the Basin.

FRIDAY [July 23, at the site of Salt Lake City] The advance company moved about three miles and encamped; Elder Orson Pratt called the camp together, dedicated the land to the Lord, entreated the blessings on the seeds about to be planted and on the labors of His saints in the valley. The camp was organized for work. Elders W. Richards and Geo. A. Smith exhorted the

FRIDAY [July 30] All the brethren met at 8 p.m. when praise to God for the safe return of so many of the battalion was given by shouting Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the Lamb forever and ever, Amen. I preached till 10 p.m.

DOCUMENT K:

Along the Mother Lode Highway 49 on the way to Coloma, among the flowering white dogwoods, olive colored oaks and towering cedar, there are remnants of this history: old stone cabins and buildings, mining equipment, and stamp mills that were used to crush gold-bearing quartz.

On an icy cold morning early in 1848, James Wilson Marshall, a carpenter from New Jersey, picked up a few nuggets of gold from the American River at the site of a sawmill he was building for John Sutter near Coloma. By August, the hills above the river were strewn with wood huts and tents as the first of 4,000 miners lured by the gold discovery scrambled to strike it rich. Prospectors, from the East sailed around Cape Horn. Some hiked across the Isthmus of Panama, and by 1849, about 40,000 came to San Francisco by sea alone. Nearly $2,000,000,000 in gold was taken from the earth before mining became dormant.

The upheaval was enormous. Native American cultures that had lasted for thousands of years in California were lost and destroyed. But the Mormon economy in Utah flourished with the large gold riches funneled into their banks. The old Mexican province suddenly became a new state. The gold that enriched California may have even precipitated the Civil War.

James Marshall was building the sawmill to supply lumber for Sutter's Fort in the SacramentoValley. John Sutter had ambitious dreams of creating an empire--the New Helvetia in the SacramentoValley. But his great fiefdom was destroyed because all of his holdings and Sutter's Fort were lost to the ever-increasing masses seizing everything in pursuit of instant wealth.

Because the gold discovery was such a large historical event and affected so many different people, there followed a vast number of conflicting stories about how and who was responsible for the exact way in which it occurred. Several tales include one report from a Mrs. Wimmer, the cook, who claims her husband was a co-discoverer and that the precious yellow metal was found by her children. The Mormons reportedly got wind of it through Henry Bigler's friends working on a new sawmill near Sutter's Fort. They later came to Coloma and prospected at a spot that became the rich diggings of MormonIsland. More than $80,000 eventually went through Brigham Young's gold accounts and into the Mormon mint in 1848-1851.

The date that Marshall found those first few flakes in the tailrace of the sawmill is uncertain. Today most historians agree that Marshall was the discoverer, and that the date was January 24.

Marshall was not on a gold hunting expedition that icy Monday morning when he shut off the water. He and his crew were building a sawmill. The tailrace was too shallow to carry water fast enough past the wheel that powered the saw. They needed to dig the tailrace during the day and to let water pour through at night to scour the bottom which then turned the ditch into a giant sluice box with cracks that exposed bedrock serving as the rifles which caught the gold that washed from the loosened gravel of the banks. By early morning, Marshall walked down the tailrace below the mill wheel and found in a crevice in the smooth granite bedrock, under water, those flakes of the raw yellow, and at first, thought it was Blotite, or "fools gold."

The gold, wrapped in a handkerchief, he took to Sutter where they looked up in Sutter's well-worn encyclopedia whatever they could find on the subject of gold, and then they tested the sample in nitric acid from Sutter's medical kit. It was almost pure gold

DOCUMENT L:

Source: Nextext. The American West . pp 116-118

Mining In California

Our countrymen are the most discontent of mortals. They are always longing for “big strikes”. If a “claim” is paying them a steady income, by which, if they pleased, they could lay up more in a month, than they could accumulate in a year at home, still, they are dissatisfied, and in most cases, will wander off in search of better “diggings.” There are hundreds now pursuing this foolish course, who, if they had stopped where they first “camped” would now have been rich men. Sometimes, a company of these wanderers will find itself upon a bar…they “pan it out” It causes a rush to the diggins