Let’s go step by step to answer each question based on the text “The Last Frontier.”
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Question 1: Apart from the settled districts in California and scattered regions, what was populated by whom?
Looking at the first paragraph:
> “In 1865 this frontier line generally followed the western limits of the states bordering the Mississippi River... From these settled districts in California and Oregon eastward through Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas to an eastern line that included Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana stretched a vast region of thinly scattered Indian tribes — Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Comanche, Kiowa, and others.”
So, apart from settled districts (like California), the area was populated by
Indian tribes.
✔ Answer for Q1: Indian tribes
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Question 2: What line granted free farms of 64 hectares to citizens who would occupy and improve them for five years?
Second paragraph says:
> “This Homestead Act of 1862, which granted free farms of 64 hectares to citizens who would occupy and improve the land for five years...”
So it’s clearly the
Homestead Act of 1862.
✔ Answer for Q2: The Homestead Act of 1862
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Question 3: On May 10, 1869, the Union Pacific Railroad joined with the Central Pacific Railroad. Where did they meet?
Third paragraph:
> “On May 10, 1869, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads met at Promontory Point, Utah.”
They met at
Promontory Point, Utah.
✔ Answer for Q3: Promontory Point, Utah
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Question 4: Once the transcontinental railroad ran across the continent, where did settlers move? Name three places.
Fourth paragraph:
> “Once the transcontinental railroad ran across the continent, settlers poured into the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Far West.”
Three places:
- Great Plains
- Rocky Mountains
- Far West
✔ Answer for Q4: Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Far West
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Question 5: Where was gold found in 1849?
Fifth paragraph:
> “The great rush of population to the Far West came when gold was discovered in California in 1849.”
Gold was found in
California.
✔ Answer for Q5: California
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Question 6: Where did most small cattle drives begin, and end?
Last paragraph:
> “Most small cattle drives began in southern Texas and ended at Abilene or Dodge City in Kansas.”
Began:
southern Texas
Ended:
Abilene or Dodge City in Kansas
✔ Answer for Q6: Began in southern Texas; ended in Abilene or Dodge City, Kansas
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Final Answer:
1. Indian tribes
2. The Homestead Act of 1862
3. Promontory Point, Utah
4. Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Far West
5. California
6. Began in southern Texas; ended in Abilene or Dodge City, Kansas
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of the last frontier worksheet.
