Between 1865 and 1900, there were some changes that affected the American West. For example:
- not only white but also African-American settlers came to the West to make their living by mining, farming, and ranching.
- the settlement from the East transformed the Great Plains to plowed fields with wheat and other crops.
- Besides, the cattle industry increased its importance since the railroad allowed the transport of these animals to the market.
- Native Americans were confined to live in reservations due to the growth of white settlements as well as the US military force.
- The cowboys, who were seen as heoric men that rode the range, became the symbol for the West.