I'm looking for recommended texts or even anecdotes to start my research. Particularly interested in instances of coupling between different groups: American Indians, slaves or former slaves, white settlers, etc. How did westward expansion change (or expose) sexual behavior in the U.S. in the 19th century, if at all?

Could you say prostitution in the west had some impact on the changing role of women, or was that basically consistent with prostitution in the 1700s? Did homesteading and the pioneer wife have much to do with the suffrage movement, or not really?

I'm aware that this is a huge topic and I'm mostly looking for advice on where to start reading.

Thanks!