Don Wildman

It's a big country we made happen triumphantly, tragically, but here it is.

And so much of it had to do with the symbolism of that migration.

And in America, there is always that sense, you know, it's true or it's not, perhaps it's myth, but there's always this feeling of opportunity, at least baked into our national story.

And so much of that came from the Oregon Trail, didn't it?

Yes.

And it's the...

The consequences of those actions as well that we have to take into consideration as a society.

And that's the ongoing American experiment is, you know, you go out and get it, but then think of who you're affecting along the way and what it really means in the bigger picture.

That's the maturation of the culture as well.

Stephen Aaron is the director and president of the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, one of my favorite places to visit when I go to Los Angeles.

Go have a look.

You won't be sorry.

It's a really neat place right in the middle of Griffith Park.

Professor Aaron's books I mentioned are The American West, a very short introduction, and Peace and Friendship, an alternative history of the American West.

Have a look at the Autry's website, theautry.org.

But better yet...

As I say, pay a visit yourself.

Thank you so much, Stephen.

Nice to meet you.

Thanks for listening to American History Hit.