Note 1 — Group II. BIRTH OF THE AMERICAN IDEA.

Santa Fé Trail and Oregon Trail. Independence was long the farthest white settlement in Missouri, and consequently became the starting point. So far the Missouri River could be followed. See map. Westport, and finally Kansas City, grew from this cause. As settlements extended up the river, the main trails were struck from many points, as Fort Leavenworth, St. Joseph, Council Bluffs, etc.,—like trunk roads with many branches.