What was a significant prelude to the settlement of the Great Plains?

The answer focuses on mining expeditions as a significant prelude to the settlement of the Great Plains due to their role in shaping the movement of settlers and resources in the late 19th century.

Mining expeditions, particularly during events such as the California Gold Rush and later mineral strikes in regions like Colorado and Nevada, not only attracted thousands of prospectors seeking fortune but also influenced the development of transportation and infrastructure across the West. The influx of miners and their need for supplies led to the establishment of towns and railroads, which opened up previously remote areas of the Great Plains to more extensive settlement. As these mining towns developed, they created economic opportunities and drew populations from the East and foreign nations, thereby paving the way for subsequent agricultural and ranching settlements.

While Indian removal policies and the rise of ranching were indeed important factors in the broader narrative of westward expansion, they were more direct results of the movement and settlement patterns initiated by mining. The Gold Rush exemplifies this idea, as it not only brought people to areas that later became part of the Great Plains but also stimulated industry and commerce in the surrounding regions.

Overall, the connection between mining expeditions and the subsequent settlement patterns highlights a critical phase in American expansion and development in the pursuit