1. The American Wild West took place in the Western United
States, just about anywhere west of the Mississippi River. It
occurred in the early part of the 19th century and lasted until
the end of the Mexican Revolution in 1920. 2. Many conflicts
were occurring as people moved further onto the lands occupied
by Native American tribes. The people moving onto to these lands
claimed the land as their land. The Native American didn't
believe that anyone could own land. They believed the land was
there for everyone to use and enjoy. 3. In 1877, Congress passed
the Desert Land Act which permitted settlers to purchase up to
640 acres of public land at 25 cents an acre. This occurred in
areas where the climate required large-scale farming. Settlers
were required to properly irrigate the land they purchased.
Thousands of people moved west to take advantage of this
opportunity. Wagon trains moved many settlers. 4. The American
west had all sorts of people including pioneers, business
people, scouts, lawmen, outlaws, gan