Make a "Go West" Newspaper Ad - 0809

In the 1870s Washington need more settlers in order to reach the population necessary to become a state. The eastern United States (think New York City) had more people than it really needed. So, the obvious answer for Washington territory was to advertise in the East to convince people to settle in Washington.

Read "Claiming the Farm," "Charles Terry Homesteads..." "Erhart Seifried ... Files a Homestead Claim..." and "Esther Clark Short." These readings will provide the details you need to include in your ad in order to be convincing (and to get a good grade). Pretend to interview one of these early settlers. A testimonial is always convincing.

Be sure to explain:

- what the new immigrants can get if they come here

- what job and economic opportunities are here

- a description of what life will be like here in the Washington Territory

Include in your ad:

- a picture of some sort

- a map of the region or some part of the region

Write as if you were writing in the 1870s. The more convincing (without actually lying) and detailed your ad is, the more points you will get.