California Gold Rush
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: North American Series
- Categories: Economics, Land Acquisition and Expansion, Territory Redistribution
- Subcategories: Frontier, Pioneers, Immigration, Immigrants
- Curriculum: American History 1816-1855
- Geographical Location: California
- Date: January 24, 1848-September 4, 1849
Article abstract: Discovery of the precious metal invites a flood of Eastern fortune seekers and global immigrants into the new U.S. territory.
Summary of Event
On January 24, 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold in the terrace of a mill that a group of men were erecting for John A. Sutter on the south fork of the American River. Despite Sutter’s efforts to keep the news secret until he could secure and protect the vast estates he had obtained by Mexican land grants, California newspapers revealed the find in March. By May, the rush had started, and...
[The entire page is 1657 words long]
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