The California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush began in 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, attracting thousands of hopeful miners and settlers to California. This rush for gold led to a massive influx of people, transforming California’s population and economy.

However, the Gold Rush also had significant consequences for Native communities, as many were forcibly removed from their lands. The quest for wealth reshaped the landscape and created a legacy of both opportunity and hardship in American history.