Who were the people who helped open the west?

The opening of the American West involved various groups and individuals contributing to its exploration, settlement, and development. Some key players and groups include:

1. Explorers: Lewis and Clark, who were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, undertook an expedition from 1804 to 1806 to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.
2. Pioneers and Settlers: Thousands of people migrated westward, seeking new opportunities and land. These pioneers traveled across the Oregon Trail, the California Trail and other routes, establishing towns and communities.
3. Frontiersmen and Trappers: Mountain men and fur traders, such as Jim Bridger and Jedediah Smith, explored the western wilderness, trapping animals for fur and establishing relationships with Native American tribes.
4. Railroad Workers: The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869, played a significant role in opening the West for settlement and trade. It connected the East Coast to the West Coast, facilitating transportation and commerce.
5. Native American Tribes: Indigenous peoples inhabited and traversed the land long before European settlers arrived. They played crucial roles in shaping the region's history and encountered significant challenges as settlers expanded westward.
6. Government Officials: Government policies, such as the Homestead Act of 1862 offering free land to settlers and various treaties and laws influenced the settlement and development of the West.

These groups and individuals, among others, collectively contributed to the exploration, settlement and transformation of the American West.