The River Loop Trail at Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, Illinois, has exposures revealing nearly 130 million years of geologic history. At the base of the hill is Devonian-aged limestone containing brachiopods and bryozoans. Above the limestone is Pennsylvanian-aged shale, with an unconformity between the two. The black shale is rich with fossils of ferns and marsh grasses. Directly on top of the shale is Pennsylvanian-aged sandstone. Using the geologic materials described, determine the environment of deposition for each unit. How has the overall environment changed from the Devonian to the end of the Pennsylvanian?

the first phase of the government’s plan for settlement was building the transcontinental railroad. the railroad provided a way to bring settlers and manufactured goods west and ship their agricultural and mining produce east. the transcontinental railroad was an essential artery for rapid development of the frontier.

the second phase of the government’s plan was a liberal land distribution policy that made it possible for many people to homestead. with these two key elements—transportation and cheap land—the government rapidly achieved its goal of persuading people to move west, settle on farms, and push back the frontier.

separation of church and state? not sure what you mean.