Into the West

This episode's title, Manifest Destiny, refers to America's doctrine, which states that the country has an inevitable destiny and right to expand the American border to the Pacific Ocean.

Jacob reads a newspaper article that refers to the "recently" deceased Jedediah Smith. This scene takes place in 1836. Well, the news during that time must be really slow because Jedediah Smith actually died in 1831, at the young age of 32. However, they were accurate in saying he was killed by Commanches while at a watering hole on the way to Santa Fe.

The scene involving Jedediah Smith's scalp almost being torn off by a bear is accurate. And it was sewn back on by a member of his group. However, that person's real name was Jim Clyman, not the fictional series character, Jacob Wheeler.