They are assisted greatly by Native American Sacagawea. Sacagawea was a member of the Shoshone tribe, one of 50 different tribes encountered on the journey. The first Chinese immigrants arrive in the United States at what is now San Francisco. German farmers settle in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Irish immigrants first settle in New York seeking relief from potato famine in Ireland.
German immigrants seek safety in America after collapse of revolutionary movement in Germany.
The boundary line of the United States and Mexico is disputed and the United States conquers California, New Mexico and northern Mexico. 1848 Gold Rush of California caused people to migrate west for a better life. Californians use Chinese immigrants as part of the work force 1861 American Civil War begins with Confederates firing on Union Soldiers. Immigration decreases during the American Civil War. 1862 Homestead Act provides free land in the Midwest to settlers.