What natural resources served as economic incentives for people moving west?

Natural resources played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States, serving as powerful economic incentives for people to move west. Here are some of the key natural resources that people were seeking:

1. Land – Vast tracts of fertile land available through various means, including the Homestead Act of 1862, which offered settlers 160 acres of public land free of charge (after a small filing fee), provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and growing crops.

2. Gold and Silver – The discovery of gold in California in 1848 and later in places like Colorado, Nevada, and the Black Hills of Dakota triggered several Gold Rushes. Prospecting and mining for gold and silver were major draws for many people.

3. Timber – There were extensive forests in the West, which were ideal for the lumber industry. Timber was a valuable resource for building, heating, and as a raw material for various industries.

4. Fur – The fur trade was an early incentive for explorers and traders. Beaver and other animal fur were highly sought after for making hats and clothing.

5. Water – While not a 'resource' in the traditional economic sense of being bought and sold, access to water was crucial for agriculture and settlement, particularly in the arid regions of the West.

6. Oil and Coal – Later on, the discovery of oil fields and coal deposits in western territories also spurred economic development and migration.

7. Ranching Land – The open ranges of the West provided excellent grazing for cattle and sheep, which created opportunities for ranching and associated businesses.

These resources attracted not only individuals but also companies and the federal government, all of who played crucial roles in the westward expansion.