Explores various details of territorial expansion in the United States, covering pioneer life, government relations with Native Americans, the Northwest Ordinance, the Louisiana Purchase, the Texas Revolution, and more, with illustrations, a timeline, and statistics.

A growing nation : why did people begin moving to the West -- Beyond the Appalachians : who blazed a trail through the Appalachian Mountains? -- Exploring the West : how did men and women work together to explore the West? -- Native American struggles : why were native Americans forced to leave their homelands? -- Pathway to the Pacific : why did the United States fight a war with Mexico? -- The end of thermometer : what dangers did cowboys face in the West?