1. GOLD RUSH

2. 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

3. 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

4. JOHN SUTTER

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

6. 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

7. LOCATION OF THE GOLD FIELDS IN CALIFORNIA

8. 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

9. LAND ROUTES TO THE GOLD FIELDS OF CALIFORNIA

10. ROUTES TO THE GOLD FIELDS OF CALIFORNIA

11. 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

15. 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

18. INSIDE A MINING CAMP CABIN

19. 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

20. CHINESE INFLUENCE IN THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH

21. 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…

22. PLAYING CARDS AT THE MINING CAMP

23. 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

24. THE
END