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

2. 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
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.

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

4. 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.

5. How do I get to California?
Three main routes taken during Gold Rush in
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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Which Route is the Best? Overland Route Water Routes

10. 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