Stephen H Long: The Man Who Mapped the West

Stephen H. Long, a U.S. Army civil engineer, played a crucial role in mapping the western territories of the United States in the early 19th century. His expeditions provided detailed maps and surveys that were instrumental in expanding the nation's infrastructure and borders. However, his mislabeling of the Great Plains as the 'Great American Desert' delayed migration and development in the region until the gold rush in California. Long's work spanned 13 presidencies and had lasting impacts on American expansion.

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase in the early 19th century?

• It tripled the size of the United States.

• It marked the end of the Civil War.

• It doubled the size of the United States.

• It led to the discovery of gold in California.

Who was responsible for leading expeditions to map the western territories of the United States?

• James Madison

• Abraham Lincoln

• Lewis and Clark

• Stephen H. Long

What was one of the key contributions of Stephen H. Long's expeditions?

• Establishing the first American university

• Creating a language dictionary for Native American tribes

• Discovering the Mississippi River

• Building the first transcontinental railroad

What was the impact of Long's labeling of the Great Plains as the 'Great American Desert'?

• It encouraged immediate settlement and farming.

• It delayed migration and development for decades.

• It led to the discovery of oil in the region.

• It resulted in the construction of the Panama Canal.

What event eventually triggered a massive wave of migration to the West?

• The end of the Civil War

• The invention of the steam engine

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The discovery of gold in California