The West Terms
"Scrip"A voucher, IOU, or some other form of paper instrument that is redeemable for cash or something else of value. Under the Morrill Education Act, states were awarded "scrip" that could be used to purchase public lands in order to finance educational projects. States sold this scrip at auction.
Central Pacific RailroadThe western portion of the first transcontinental railroad. Stretching from California to Utah, the Central Pacific was authorized by Congress in 1862 and completed in 1869.
Union Pacific RailroadA part of the first transcontinental railroad. The Union Pacific began construction at Omaha, Nebraska in 1865 and linked up with the Central Pacific at Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869.
"Golden Spike"The ceremonial spike linking the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads at Promontory Summit in 1869.
Riparian RightsFundamental water law principle stating that land owners adjacent to a watercourse possess a right to make use of the water from that stream. However, the land owner may not excessively impede the flow of the stream or interfere with the water rights possessed by land owners downstream.
Right Of AppropriationIn water law, this refers to the right of a factory owner or farmer to dam rivers and diminish the flow of water to land owners located downriver. This legal principle amended traditional riparian rights under the premise that altering a watercourse could serve a socially beneficial purpose; the riparian rights of landowners downstream could be circumscribed in order to advance "the natural rights of all."54
NaturalizationThe process through which a person attains citizenship in a country other than the one in which he or she was born.
The process by which an immigrant becomes an American citizen.