In modern times, the story of the United States' drive to expand westward and the ensuing period that immediately followed has been immortalised in countless films, books, television shows and video games. The iconography of the rural homestead, gunslingers reaching for their six-shooters and the downtrodden indigenous Americans are all cultural touchstones. The 'legend' of the American west is exactly that, though: a story. The truth is a little different. In this bookazine, we'll take you through everything you need to know about this important time for the USA. From those crucial first steps westward by Lewis and Clarke, though to the establishment of the Oregon Trail, the Californian Gold Rush, the Civil War and more, get ready to embark on an epic journey to the Wild West