Local Color in American Literature

Local Color in American Literature

Over the course of the nineteenth century, America expanded—tripling in land mass over this hundred year span. Starting in 1803 with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France, America greatly increased its territory, and accordingly allowed for a dispersion of its people and a more varied type of American experience throughout those new lands. The country expanded yet again with the conclusion of the Mexican-American War and the annexation of those territories once belonging to Mexico. As a result, the country increased its size by half again. Pioneering of that land, however, really took off after the Civil War had settled the question of slavery in those newly settled lands. Additionally, mid-century, gold was discovered in the California area, luring more Americans there to seek their fortunes. On top of these economic incentives, the government offered free land through the Homestead Act to those who had remained loyal to the federal government and would commit to farm that land for five years.

The population of America increased as a result of the land increase. Immigrants came from Europe and Asia to take advantage of these opportunities, further diversifying the American cultural heritage and the pioneer effort itself further diversified the American experience. Concomitant with this diversification was an increase in publication technologies, making the printing and distribution of magazines and periodicals cheaper and more widespread. Additionally, the invention of the telegraph and the expansion of the railroad connected people who had been previously disconnected. This connection in word combined with disconnection in space, the curiosity about other ways of life, and the increase in periodical publications created an environment ripe for local color literature—a genre extremely popular at the end of the nineteenth century which allowed readers a glimpse into a life separate from theirs.

The...