The American settlers and railways depicted in this painting are moving in a westbound direction and are being guided by a centrally-located, eye-catching angel, illustrating the sole desire the U.S. had during the initial stages of the Manifest Destiny era: expansion to the west of the Mississippi River in pursuit of Christianizing heathen Native Americans and, thus, fulfilling its "destiny." The Natives and their respective animals express a sense of utter terror and confusion toward the essential invasion taking place in their homeland, erratically fleeing the scene into what seems to be a cloud of destruction. The settlers, as well as the angel, are gradually establishing themselves in the area, constructing bridges, electrical lines, and the like, as they move further west.
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