Go West, young man facts for kids

Horace Greeley, a famous newspaper editor. Many people think he said this phrase first.

"Go West, young man" is a very well-known phrase. It encouraged people to move to the western parts of the United States. This idea was connected to Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was a belief that Americans were meant to expand across North America. The phrase is often linked to Horace Greeley. He was a famous American author and newspaper editor. However, no one has fully proven who first wrote this exact phrase.

What Does "Go West, Young Man" Mean?

The saying encouraged young people to seek new opportunities. It suggested that the western lands offered a chance to build a better life. This was especially true for those struggling in the crowded eastern cities. It meant finding success through hard work and farming.

Washington [D.C.] is not a place to live in. The rents are high, the food is bad, the dust is disgusting and the morals are deplorable. Go West, young man, go West and grow up with the country.

—attributed to Horace Greeley, New-York Daily Tribune, July 13, 1865

Who First Said "Go West, Young Man"?

Many people believe Horace Greeley first used this phrase. He was the editor of the New-York Daily Tribune. The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations suggests it came from his 1850 book, Hints toward Reforms. But the phrase does not actually appear in that book.

Searching for the Quote

A researcher named Timothy Hughes looked into Greeley's writings in 2010. He checked the July 13, 1865, issue of the Tribune. He could not find the exact quote there. The closest he found was Greeley encouraging people to "turn their faces Westward and colonize the public lands." This article was about the Homestead Act. This act gave free land to settlers.

Why Did People Go West?

Horace Greeley strongly supported moving westward. He believed the fertile farmlands in the West were perfect. They offered a great chance for people willing to work hard. He thought farming could help solve problems like poverty. It could also help with unemployment in big eastern cities.

Impact on American History

This phrase became a symbol of hope and opportunity. It suggested that anyone could succeed with effort. It is one of the most famous sayings from the 1800s. The idea behind it might have influenced how America grew and developed. It encouraged many people to move west and build new lives.

See also

In Spanish: Go West, young man para niños