The American West during the 1860's was a time period where the removal of Indians out of western territories enabled expansion, progressively jumping America into an Industrial era westward. The expansion west is an example of the capitalistic society of America, and the desire to expand, live, and prosper. As Indians were kicked out of their western territories, the creation of the Transcontinental Railroad began to brew; the railroad was to connect the western states to the eastern. The period of westward expansions is a testament to the greed nature of Americans and their desire to seek and obtain new land. America's capitalistic environment is exemplified because to the Americans, money and wealth were far more important than the lives of the natives in the current land which led to violence and the wiping out of many Indian tribes. Huge populations of Indians were crammed into Indian Reserves, forced to work, and even killed if resisted. This shows the hostile movements of the Americans to gain control of land they rightfully thought was there.
Joining the tracks for the first transcontinental railroad, Promontory, Utah, Terr., 1869. 30-N-36-2994.
Band of Apache Indian prisoners at rest stop beside Southern Pacific Railway, near Nueces River, Tex., September 10, 1886. Among those on their way to exile in Florida are Natchez (center front) and, to the right, Geronimo and his son in matching shirts. By A. J. McDonald. 106-BAE-251 7A.
"The lynching of John Heith at Tombstone, Arizona, Feb. 22, 1884. He was implicated in the robbery of the Goldwater-Castan[e]da store in Dec. 1883, wherein there were three men and one woman killed. The other five men were apprehended and legally hanged at Tombstone, March 6, 1884." 111-SC-93377
"Hostile Indian camp" Bird's-eye view of a large Lakota camp of tipis, horses, and wagons--probably on or near Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 1891. Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540
"Giant Bluff." Elk Canyon on Black Hills and Ft. P. R.R. A two-car train in front of a steep cliff; several passengers are posing in front of the train. 1890. Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540