Manifest Destiny Gallery

By war or by treaty, the United States was determined to expand

 

In the mid-1800s, many Americans believed the United States had a God-given right—a “manifest destiny”—to expand. By war or by treaty, the United States was determined to move west. After the U.S. annexed Texas, Mexico and the U.S. continued to dispute the border, provoking a war. Settlers lived with and conflicted with indigenous people. By 1848 the map of the United Stated looked much like a map of today – the U.S. extended from the east coast to California.

 

Learn About Exhibits in this Gallery

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  Friendship Between Nations

  Peace Medals

  Peace Medals were powerful symbols of diplomacy between the United States and Native Nations. Learn about their evolving implementation.

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  Stagecoach

  Learn about the stagecoach on display in the Manifest Destiny gallery