This crossing of the Sierras is thought to be the first made by white men from the east. Prince Maximillian of Wied-Neuwied journeys up the Missouri River to study the American Indian people of the plains. He is accompanied by Carl Bodmer, a twenty-seven year old Swiss artist. Samuel Colt perfects a successful revolving pistol . Under the direction of Henry R. Schoolcraft.
Buffalo replaces beaver as the most profitable pelt in the fur trade.
Silk replaces beaver felt as the most fashionable hat material. Fur baron John Jacob Astor , anticipating a decline in the fur trade, sells out his interests in the mountain trade. Methodist missionaries Daniel and Jason Lee found the first mission and American settlement in the Oregon Territory . A convention of Texas settlers at San Felipe votes to separate from Mexico . The national Whig Party is formed in opposition to the policies of Andrew Jackson, under the leadership of Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun.