Despite vast differences between regional areas within the contiguous United States during this time period, obvious similarities also tied these locations together in ways that made them uniquely American.

American settlers heading west

Throughout the history of American expansionism, those traveling west carried with them a sense of rugged individualism that defined the pioneer spirit, no matter their geographic location. This "can-do" attitude pushed Americans farther and farther into previously uncolonized territories. The image of this new "Western Man" was one of honesty, intelligence, hard work, upright character, and good fortune. Politics of the time dictated that Anglo-Americans should spread their culture as far and wide throughout North America as possible. That sentiment was shared from coast to coast.

Railroad track in the Southwestern United States

To make the transition as smooth and fast as possible, Americans shared an urgency to develop trans-continental transportation. They assembled teams of people from all walks of life to work on these important thoroughfares. These new railways and highways were pivotal in bringing progress and advanced economies to the West, just as colonists had done back east.

The new residents of the West also brought their shared cultures and knowledge in many different forms: language, art, music, architecture, cuisine, and so on. While these may have looked very different from what they found in the area when they arrived, time helped blend these elements with the existing cultures.

See if you can identify which concepts on the left represent experiences shared by all Americans in the early 1800s and which represent regionally specific experiences. Click on each row to check your answer.