Who would be important in settling the west?

Key figures in settling the West included pioneers, explorers, and government officials. Notable individuals like Lewis and Clark played crucial roles in mapping and exploring new territories, while homesteaders and farmers contributed to the establishment of communities. Additionally, the transcontinental railroad significantly facilitated migration and commerce, making it easier for settlers to move westward. Government policies, such as the Homestead Act of 1862, also encouraged settlement by granting land to individuals willing to cultivate it.