1. The California Gold Rush
The Rush Begins
1848, gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California Sierra Nevadas
San Francisco residents abandon city to pan for gold
Gold rush, or migration of prospectors to California in 1849
Forty-niners, gold prospectors, come from Asia, South America, Europe

2. The California Gold Rush
Impact of Gold Fever
San Francisco becomes supply center for miners, major port
Gold Rush Brings Diversity
By 1849, California’s population exceeds 100,000
Chinese, free blacks, Mexicans migrate in large numbers
Slavery permitted until outlawed by 1849 constitutional convention
California joins Union in 1850

3. Sutter's Mill and the beginnings of the California Gold Rush

4. Mining Operations on the American River near Sacramento, c. 1850

5. White and Chinese miners hoping to strike it rich during the California Gold Rush, 1852

6. By 1851, the gold rush had made San Francisco a thriving port city

7. Homework Assignment
In the late 1840s California became a draw to hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life. Do you think the potential rewards of gold outweighed the hardships individuals has to endure? Support your answer.