1. The California Gold Rush of 1849 Aim: How did the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in California cause the largest mass migration in US History?

2. Sutter’s Mill In January of 1848, John Sutter, the owner of Sutter’s Mill, sent James Marshall to build a sawmill next to a nearby creek. Marshall found gold.

3. Sutter’s Mill Location

4. Mass Migration As the news of discovery spread, some 300,000 people came to California from the rest of the United States and abroad

5. Staking a Claim 49ers would prospect along banks of streams. If they found gold, they would “stake a claim.” Disputes over claims often occurred.

6. Gold Mining Equipment

7. Mining Camps and Towns Gold mining towns and camps formed. Little or no authority Some miners tried to set up an informal system of law and order.

8. The Chinese and the Gold Rush The California Gold Rush brought a large number of Chinese to America. These Chinese were very poor back in China. The Chinese Miners Faced:  Steep Taxes  Harsh Working Conditions  Discrimination

9. Activity Directions:  Each group will consist of four members.  Members will be assigned a letter to read. The letter will explain one component of the California Gold Rush.  Read through the letter analyze how it relates to the Gold Rush and share it with your group.