The Media Library of Genesee Valley BOCES

Describes the trek Westward on the Oregon Trail through the eyes of a husband and wife

14-year old Newt Miller shares his life as a real cowboy who lives on a cattle ranch in Texas. He tells about the history of life as a cowboy, and tells the story of his own 250 cattle drive and the danger it involves

Sacajawea and the adventures she shared come alive

A young Pony Express rider describes what it was like to carry the mail from Missouri to California

This fascinating and well-researched video recounts the history of the Pony Express, retraces the famous trail, and uncovers the reasons behind its demise and lasting legacy

Examines the call of the untamed West on early pioneers. Includes the impact of the fur industry on unlocking the land route to the Pacific known as the Oregon Trail, Nathaniel Wyeth, James Bridger, Kit Carson, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Henry Chatillon, and the settlement of Oregon. Living history segments explore life traveling in a covered wagon

Follows the journey of the family of young Katie Donaldson from Tennessee through more than 2000 miles of wilderness to settle the West

Describes the history of the Northwest Territory from Indian days through the arrival of the French missionary priests, from the French and Indian War through the growth of Chicago as an important transfer point

Examines the industrialization of the country and the birth of corporate America; expanding railroads; the cattle frontier and the Homestead Act of 1862; merchandized farming and the agricultural revolution; immigration and migration west; growing cities; pollution and the birth of the conservation movement

An opportunity to hear the issue of Manifest Destiny debated against American Indian claims to open prairies and sacred lands. Testimonies of historical figures (representing 60 years of our nation's westward growth) are carefully balanced to leave the issue open-ended for the student, and to provide a wide range of opinion