The West has been settled by people from every corner of the earth over the past 10,000 years. All brought their dreams with them.

This year the nation will celebrate the dreams, the drive and the courage of all forty members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. But the expedition would not have reached the Pacific, or returned, without the assistance of the native peoples, who had - and have - dreams of their own. 

The discoveries of the expedition have drawn millions of immigrants from many cultures, each with her or his own dreams. All of the dreamers have had to face the realities of the Western landscape. Its resources are vast, but finite. The way in which any one resource is used affects all the other resources. The land has provided many surprises for immigrants to the West. 

And all of the dreamers have had to face the fact that their visions are not always compatible. The ultimate test for the West will be whether we learn to treat each other's dreams - and each other - with respect. Turning dreams into reality requires hard work, and listening to each other, and learning from each other.

Photo provided by Portland Oregon Visitors Association