723 Westward Expansion Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images

Painting entitled 'American Progress', by John Gast, depicting 'Manifest Destiny' . In 1872 artist John Gast painted a popular scene of people moving west that captured the view of Americans at the time. Called 'Spirit of the Frontier' and widely distributed as an engraving portrayed settlers moving west, guided and protected by a goddess-like figure and aided by technology , driving Native Americans and bison into obscurity. It is also important to note that angel is bringing the 'light' as witnessed on the eastern side of the painting as she travels towards the 'darkened' west.' USA, circa 1872. Get premium, high resolution news photos at getty

723 Westward Expansion Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images

723 Westward Expansion Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images

723 Westward Expansion Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images

723 Westward Expansion Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images

723 Westward Expansion Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images

723 Westward Expansion Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images