Mining, Ranching, & Native Americans Changes in the American Frontier

Mining 1859 – gold discovered in Colorado 1859 – gold discovered in Colorado 100,000 miners from U.S., Europe, South America, Mexico, & China rush to region 100,000 miners from U.S., Europe, South America, Mexico, & China rush to region Comstock Lode discovered in western Nevada - $300 million in silver and gold Comstock Lode discovered in western Nevada - $300 million in silver and gold Virginia City, Nevada becomes boomtown Virginia City, Nevada becomes boomtown Nevada, Colorado, & South Dakota gain statehood Nevada, Colorado, & South Dakota gain statehood

Ranching First cowhands come to Southwest from Mexico in 1500s. First cowhands come to Southwest from Mexico in 1500s. 1/3 of cowhands were Mexican or African American 1/3 of cowhands were Mexican or African American Cattle industry grew when railroads reached Kansas Cattle industry grew when railroads reached Kansas Cattle industry boomed until 1880s when price of beef dropped due to oversupply Settlers fenced in land with barbed wire (new invention) Brutal winter killed thousands of cattle

Native Americans Native Americans & African Americans were important to ranching Native Americans & African Americans were important to ranching Government funded railroads helped settlers find success in the West Government funded railroads helped settlers find success in the West The army was used to force Native Americans off the land The army was used to force Native Americans off the land Free land given to settlers Free land given to settlers