Finding your way to California The Gold Rush of 1849 Finding your way to California

Origins of the Gold Rush Westward Expansion Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the United States Army were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804 to explore the possible expansion of US territory to the west. The Corps of Discovery (as the expedition was called) lasted from 1804-1806. This journey gave the US Government a deep understanding of the geography of the territory. It also promoted commerce in this region, prompting many to decide to move across the country.

Striking Gold! Forty-Two Years after Lewis and Clark’s expedition concluded gold was struck in Northern California January 24, 1848 - James Marshall strikes gold while mining The land was owned by Captain John Sutter and was near San Francisco

The Rush is On! Northern California becomes the place to be in 1849. Thousands travel west with “Gold Fever” to reach the region in hopes of striking it rich! These people were known as “49ers” because they picked up everything and moved west in 1849.

How do I get to California? Three main routes taken during Gold Rush in 1849-1850 Overland Route Groups left from Midwest and traveled across the Plains Water Route Groups left from Eastern port cities (Boston, New York, and Philadelphia and traveled around South America Water and Land Route Groups left from Eastern port cities for the East Coast of Panama and left from the West Coast of Panama in a different boat for California

Choosing your way: Overland Traveled by Covered Wagon in groups called “Wagon Trains” Approximately 40,000 people chose this route from 1849-1850 Travelers had to cross over rivers, mountains, prairies, and deserts

Choosing your way: Water Route Large Clipper Ships were form of transportation used to travel around South America Stopped in Brazil and Chile to gather supplies and refuel More than 15,000 people chose this route to travel to California

Choosing your way: Water and Land Route Large ships traveled from northeast to the Isthmus of Panama in the Gulf of Mexico Travelers then made their way sixty miles through the jungle California Panama City was the port for the second ship to California

Which Route is the Best? Overland Route Water Routes

You Decide! Use this Webquest to find out more information about each option and choose which is the best route for Striking it Rich in California! Use your knowledge of the three routes and write a persuasive letter that supports your choice The Webquest will further outline both the task and the final project