Free Printable Westward Expansion Map
Free printable US territorial expansion map in a vintage style, showing how the United States grew from 1783 to 1853 — the original territory, Louisiana Purchase, Florida, Texas, Oregon Country, and the Mexican Cession.
Acquisitions are shown approximately, aligned to present-day state lines. The Gadsden Purchase (1853) and the later additions of Alaska (1867) and Hawaii (1898) are not shown.
About This US Map
Free printable US territorial expansion map in a vintage style, showing how the United States grew from 1783 to 1853 — the original territory, Louisiana Purchase, Florida, Texas, Oregon Country, and the Mexican Cession.
The History Behind This Map
Between 1783 and 1853, the United States grew from a strip of former colonies into a nation spanning the continent. It expanded through treaties, purchases, and annexation — a drive many Americans of the era called 'Manifest Destiny,' the belief that the country was destined to reach the Pacific.
Each color marks a major acquisition: the original United States (1783), the Louisiana Purchase (1803), the Florida Cession (1819), the annexation of Texas (1845), the Oregon Country (1846), and the Mexican Cession (1848). A final sliver, the Gadsden Purchase (1853), completed the modern lower forty-eight.
This growth came at a cost. It displaced Native American nations from their homelands and reignited fierce debates over the spread of slavery that would soon erupt into the Civil War. The regions here are shown approximately, aligned to present-day state lines for easy reference.
How to Use
Print this map on standard US Letter paper (8.5" × 11") in landscape orientation for the best results. Click "Download PDF" for a print-ready file that automatically fits your page, or "Download PNG" for the high-resolution image file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is westward expansion?
Westward expansion is the period in the 1800s when the United States grew across North America to the Pacific Ocean through purchases, treaties, and annexation — an idea often called Manifest Destiny.
What are the main US territorial acquisitions?
The original territory (1783), the Louisiana Purchase (1803), the Florida Cession (1819), the Texas Annexation (1845), the Oregon Country (1846), the Mexican Cession (1848), and the Gadsden Purchase (1853).
More US history maps
Add the dates — and keep exploring
Pair this map with a printable timeline of the same era, or grab a blank US map to label by hand.