GOLD RUSH

Gold Rush Timeline 1848- gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill 1849- ‘49ers travel from around the world to California 1850- California becomes a state 1853- California's population is 300,000 1859- the “rush” ends

How did the Gold Rush start? John Sutter, a Swiss immigrant, built a fort in California which was intended to be a rest station for travelers While building the foundations of the mill gold veins were discovered

JOHN SUTTER

Site of the first gold found in California SUTTER’S MILL Site of the first gold found in California

Where did the term ‘49er come from? 1849 was when most people heard about the discovery of gold in California and trekked their way across the US to find their fortune These men were called ‘49ers for the year in which they traveled Typically these were single fellows, who traveled with their mules and mining supplies

LOCATION OF THE GOLD FIELDS IN CALIFORNIA

How did 49ers get to California? The land trails across the US were the most popular BUT slowest route Some also traveled by sea…it was more expensive but much quicker -around the tip of South America OR…. -cut across Panama

LAND ROUTES TO THE GOLD FIELDS OF CALIFORNIA

ROUTES TO THE GOLD FIELDS OF CALIFORNIA

How do you mine for gold? SOME MEN THOUGHT THE GOLD WAS JUST LYING ON THE GROUND…HA! NOT TRUE! Dig Pick Ax Panning Long Tom Dynamite

What were conditions like? Most miners lived in tent towns and shanty villages Some areas developed towns and small communities and eventually grew into larger cities Living conditions were difficult and included problems with crime, fire, disease, and bad hygiene

INSIDE A MINING CAMP CABIN

Immigrants & the Gold Rush Many people came from other countries to participate in the Gold Rush including: -China -Mexico -South American nations -European nations -Native American nations

CHINESE INFLUENCE IN THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH

Law and Order The Gold Rush attracted a less desirable crowd including: -Crooks -Bandits -Claim Jumpers -Gamblers Law was in the hands of the people: vigilante justice…

PLAYING CARDS AT THE MINING CAMP

How was the west changed? California established itself as a state long before the territories that surrounded it Economic prosperity was brought to the west in the form of farming, ranches, businesses, industry, commerce and trade

THE END