* 1805: Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the Rocky Mountains.
* 1849: The California Gold Rush begins.
* 1869: The transcontinental railroad is completed, linking the East and West coasts of the United States.
* 1890: The Wounded Knee Massacre takes place in South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Lakota Sioux people.
* 1914: World War I begins. The Cordilleran region is home to many military bases and training facilities, and the area becomes a hub for war production.
* 1941: The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The United States enters World War II. The Cordilleran region becomes a major center for war production, and the area's economy booms.
* 1945: World War II ends. The Cordilleran region experiences a period of rapid growth and development.
* 1960: The Interstate Highway System is completed. This makes it easier for people to travel to the Cordilleran region, and the area's economy continues to grow.
* 1970: The environmental movement begins to gain momentum. The Cordilleran region is home to many pristine natural areas, and people begin to realize the importance of protecting them.
* 1980: The Mount St. Helens eruption occurs in Washington state. This is one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recent history, and it causes widespread damage.
* 1990: The Cordilleran region experiences a recession. This is due in part to the decline of the timber industry.
* 2000: The population of the Cordilleran region continues to grow. The area is now home to over 50 million people.
* 2010: The Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurs in the Gulf of Mexico. This is one of the largest oil spills in history, and it has a significant impact on the environment and economy of the Cordilleran region.
* 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic begins. This has a major impact on the economy and society of the Cordilleran region.