
Louisiana Territory
The Louisiana Territory was a vast area of land in North America, originally explored by France and later purchased by the United States in 1803. Spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada and from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, it was a significant expansion for the U.S., doubling its size. The acquisition, known as the Louisiana Purchase, facilitated westward expansion and settlement, while also fostering conflicts with Native American tribes and influencing the development of the nation. The territory eventually divided into several states, shaping the geography and history of the United States.