Wild West Timeline

Timeline of the Wild West

The Wild West era spans roughly from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the closing of the frontier around 1890. But the story of the American West begins much earlier and its echoes continue to this day. Here are the pivotal moments that shaped the frontier.

The Early Frontier (1803-1860)

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States. The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) opened the West to exploration. The California Gold Rush of 1849 drew hundreds of thousands westward. The Oregon Trail became the highway of western migration, with over 400,000 settlers making the journey by 1869.

The Wild West Era (1865-1890)

After the Civil War, the West exploded with activity. The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, connecting coast to coast. Cattle drives from Texas to Kansas railheads defined the 1870s and 1880s. The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place in 1881. By 1890, the U.S. Census Bureau declared the frontier officially closed. Explore these events in depth through our lexicon.

Experience History

In our Wild West RPG, you live within this timeline. Experience the events, meet the people, and shape the story of the frontier. History comes alive when you are part of it.