The 78 maps in this atlas add significant information to the study of the development of the American West, Defined for this resources as those 17 continental states west of the Missouri River. The maps range in chronology from explorations in the sixteenth century to the location of World War II prisoner of war and Japanese internment camps. The atlas includes maps of geographic, flora and fauna data. Maps are on the left pages and narratives about the maps re on the facing pages. Maps are black and white clear and easily read. An Appendix shows Spanish-Mexican land grants, and there is an index. This is an excellent atlas for both middle and high schools. Includes a section on Arkansas aboriginal setting and Native American tribes. Describes European contacts and settlements.

Also included are maps by American Indians, maps that highlight the epicenter of the California gold rush, and maps that delineate the proposed and final courses of the transcontinental railroad, to mention only a few of the areas herein discussed.".

Challenges the myth that the American national state was weak in the early days of the republic and provides a new narrative of American expansionism.