The frontier is moving west. Indiana's transition from frontier to modern state continues. From railroads to wagon trains, this issue concentrates on transportation and westward migration. By 1853 the Wabash and Erie Canal reached Evansville. It opened eastern markets to Indiana farm products.
Railroads connect with the canals.
California is no sooner American domain than gold is found. Masses of fortune hunters join in a rush. Prairie schooners loaded with families bound for Oregon come through Indiana too. Many are drawn to its fertile land and stop to set their roots here instead. The Civil War is upon us.