20. California Gold Rush
In 1848, gold was discovered in California. News of this find caused people from around the world to go to California to search for gold…
19. Mexican-American War
Some historians have argued that the painting, “War News from Mexico,” by Richard Caton Woodville, Sr. showed the emotions of the typical American…
18. The Panic of 1837
The Panic of 1837 was the beginning of a major depression in the United States that resulted in loss of profits, a drop in prices, and loss of wages…
17. John C. Fremont
Although John C. Fremont accomplished much in the 1800s, his adventures in the American West brough him attention in the 1840s…
16. Jim Bridger
Jim Bridger was n American outdoorsman. He worked as a trapper, wilderness guide, and wilderness guide…
15. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson published the essay “Nature” in 1836. Historians often view this book as the beginning of the transcendentalism movement…
14. Davy Crockett
David Crockett had two prominent nicknames, “Davy” and “King of the Wild Frontier,” and participated in numerous historical events…
13. George Catlin
This painting of Black Hawk, the Sauk chief and namesake of the Black Hawk War of 1832 was created by American artist George Catlin…
12. James Fenimore Cooper
James Fenimore Cooper was an American writer known for historical romances who lived during the first half of the 1800s…
11. Washington Irving
Washington Irving was an American writer who’s short stories, essays, and other works gained prominence during the first half of the 1800s…