During the mid- to late 19th century, the American landscape and the western frontier were understood to represent the national character and destiny of the United States. The landscapes in Gallery 334 present nature as a kind of paradise, hospitable to human occupation and expansion. The works by George Caleb Bingham depicting western river boatmen and elections served to assure audiences that the West (including Missouri) could be successfully incorporated into the economic and political future of the nation.

The American Highlights installation was curated by Janeen Turk, senior curatorial assistant.