VOCAB
Vast area of grassland on the Great Plains; owned by the government
I am a prospector that gave up his claim to the land because I thought it was worthless. Turns out that it was a massive silver deposit! Who am I?
Henry Comstock
This is the most suitable crop on the Plains: ________
Wheat!! It grows well in this area because it is windy
What is the Homestead Act?
Government gave 160 acres of land in the plains to settlers for free ($12 filing fee). Settlers must live and improve upon the land.
What is a Bonanza Farm? What do they grow?
50,000+ acre wheat farm on the Great Plains
Define the term: BARRIO
Spanish speaking neighborhoods in the cities of the southwestern US
I lead the US Army's 7th Calvary. I ignored orders and led my men into battle where all but 1 man lost his life. Who am I?
George Custer
Describe Placer Mining
Miners use simple tools like picks, shovels, and pan to sift out Gold
In Colorado, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were brought in for what they believed to be "peace talks". No one knows for sure what happened, but 600 natives were killed.
Sand Creek Massacre
What is a Hacienda?
Large farms owned by Hispanics in early California
Define the term: ASSIMILATE
blend in; to attempt to make Indians blend into American cultures
I am a famous Lakota Chief. I was the last chief to surrender to the government and starred in a Wild West Show. I was killed in a controversial shooting in 1890.
Sitting Bull
What is the Long Drive?
Movement of Long Horn Cattle from Texas to Missouri and other western states. Cowboys take cows to Cowtowns.
This tribe in Minnesota had an uprising after not receiving their annuity payments. The tribe killed several settlers in the area, along with a trader who would not sell them food on credit.
Dakota Sioux Uprising
What is a "Boomtown"
Boomtowns are those that popped up around mining hotspots, on cattle trails, and railroad crossings
Define the term: SODBUSTERS
Nickname for settlers who plowed the Plains and dry farmed
I am a leader of the Colorado Regiment, and massacred 600 Indians in the Colorado Territory. Who am I?
Col. John Chivington
What was the goal of the Dawes Act?
The Dawes Act was passed to ASSIMILATE natives into American culture
This event is also known as "Custer's Last Stand". 210 calvary soldiers were killed, which led to an outcry to "control the Indians"
Little Big Horn
Define the term: ALLOTMENT
160 acres of land given to Native Americans as part of the Dawes Act
Define the term: ANNUITIES
Yearly payments that are supposed to go to the Native Americans
I am a leader of the Lakota tribe and their War Chief. I also tricked Cap. William Fetterman and killed 80 of his men. Who am I?
Crazy Horse
What was life on the Great Plains like for settlers in the area? What are some dangers that they faced?
1. Extreme weather 2. lack of lumber for building 3. wild fires 4. Bugs
This Indian uprising started after the death of Sitting Bull and the outlawing of the Ghost Dance ritual. In 1890, 200 Lakota people were killed by the US Army.
Wounded Knee
What caused the decline of the Native American population?
Conflicts with the Native Tribes and the US Army, settlers moving into the area and fighting with natives, killing of the buffalo by settlers