The Development of the American West: Legacy and Innovations

The American West has a rich legacy that is deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical influences of several key regions. Among these, the legacy of the Viceroyalty of New Spain stands out as a significant contributor to the development of the American West. From its cuisine to architecture, culture, and major cities, the American West is predominantly Mestizo-Spanish, a testament to its historical connection with the Spanish Imperium.

Introduction to the American West's Cultural Heritage

The largest concentration of Native Americans can be found in Latin America and the American West lands that were for centuries part of the Spanish Imperium. This region is also called the "Last West, " a series of states that remained uncolonized by 1876. These included Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, and all the states in between, excluding Nebraska and Kansas which gained statehood in 1861 and 1867, respectively. By this time, states like California, Oregon, and Nevada had already been incorporated into the Union.

Key Innovations in the Last West

Three major innovations played a crucial role in the development of the Last West: the railroad, the standardization of time, and barbed wire. Each of these innovations transformed the region and helped it prosper into the modern-day American West as we know it.

The Railroad: A Unifying and Transformative Force

The railroad was the first of these innovations and was an incredible technological leap that revolutionized transport and trade. By the time the transcontinental railroad was completed, the property held by the railroad company totaled 181 million acres, linking both coasts to major trade hubs like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Additionally, the railroads connected settlers to the Last West, allowing them to find land to settle. The railroad served as a unifying unit for the country, stretching from coast to coast and facilitating the expansion of the country.

The Standardization of Time: Bringing Order to the Frontier

The standardization of time was another pivotal development. Prior to 1883, each town had its own local time and many railroads operated on different timetables, leading to potential dangerous situations. To address this, in 1883, a standard time system was adopted across the country, gradually becoming the de facto standard in 1884. This system prevented collisions and made transportation and trade safer and more efficient. In 1918, the federal government began enforcing a standard time across the United States, further cementing the importance of this innovation.

Barbed Wire: Transforming the Frontier

Another significant innovation was the development of barbed wire, which became a crucial element of life on the frontier. On October 27, 1873, Joseph Glidden patented a unique kind of fencing, inspired by Henry Rose's design and thoroughly refined by Glidden himself. By 1880, over 80 million pounds of this durable wire were produced. This innovation was instrumental in agriculture, as it protected crops from grazing cattle for cheap. However, it also brought challenges to the cattle industry, as it restricted the free roaming of cattle. This development marked a turning point in the American West, transforming the landscape and agricultural practices.

The Last West and Its Future

The Last West, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, played a crucial role in the development of the modern American West. The combination of Spanish influences and key innovations like the railroad, standardization of time, and barbed wire, all contributed to the region's transformation. These developments paved the way for the prosperity and cultural diversity that characterizes the American West today.

The legacy of the Viceroyalty of New Spain and the innovations of the Last West are essential to understanding and appreciating the American West. These innovations not only transformed the region but also continue to shape the identity and character of the American West.

By examining the cultural and historical influences, the role of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, and the pivotal innovations of the Last West, we can better understand the transformation of this region and its ongoing significance in contemporary American culture.