%404.  The First States on the Pacific.%—­Until 1840 the people had moved westward steadily.  Each state as it was settled had touched some other east, or north, or south of it.  After 1840 people, attracted by the rich farming land and pleasant climate of Oregon, and after 1848 by the gold mines of California, rushed across the plains to the Pacific, and between 1850 and 1860 built up the states of California and Oregon (1859), and the territory of Washington (1853).  Minnesota was admitted in 1858.  The population of the United States in 1860 was 31,000,000.

[Illustration:  %DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES SEVENTH CENSUS, 1850%]

%405.  Immigration to the United States since 1820.%—­The people whose movements across our continent we have been following were chiefly natives of the United States.  But we have reached the time when foreigners began to arrive by hundreds of thousands every year.  From the close of the Revolution to 1820, it is thought not more than 250,000 of the Old World people came to us.  But the hard times in Europe, which followed the disbanding of the great armies which had been fighting France and Napoleon from 1789 to 1815, started a general movement.  Beginning at 10,000, in 1820, more and more came every year till, in 1842, 100,000 people—­men, women, and children—­landed on our shore.  This was the greatest number that had ever come in one year.  But it was surpassed in 1846, when the potato famine in Ireland, and again in 1853, when hard times in Germany, and another famine in Ireland, sent over two immense streams of emigrants.  In 1854 no less than 428,000 persons came from the Old World; more than ever came again in one year till 1872.

%406.  Modern Conveniences.%—­When we compare the daily life of the people in 1850 with that of the men of 1825, the contrast is most striking.  The cities had increased in number, grown in size, and greatly changed in appearance.  The older ones seemed less like villages.  Their streets were better paved and lighted.  Omnibuses and street cars were becoming common.  The constable and the night watch had given way to the police department.  Gas and plumbing were in general use.  The free school had become an American institution, and many of the numberless inventions and discoveries which have done so much to increase our happiness, prosperity, and comfort, existed at least in a rude form.

Between 1840 and 1850 nearly 7000 miles of railroad were built, making a total mileage of 9000.  This rapid spread of the railroad, when joined with the steamboats, then to be found on every river and lake within the settled area, made possible an institution which to-day renders invaluable service.