California Gold Rush - The Start Of Gold Mining
In The United States
The California Gold Rush was easily the most significant event of the first part of the 19th century. Sutter’s Mill is a known landmark that was the discovery point for Gold in California. In 1848, the first gold was discovered here, which drew an entire culture to the largely undeveloped area, which then developed into the large, multi-ethnic population that now makes up the majority of California.
Many people came looking for wealth in this shiny gold precious metal in the early days, and others just for the hope of a better life by moving to where the gold was. The gold fueled the economy of the area, as well as the country, and helped to fund the construction of a cross-country rail line.
After a two year war with Mexico, a peace treaty was signed, and California became a part of the United States. No one knew that John Sutter had discovered gold at his sawmill construction site, which was to the benefit of the United States. Had the Mexican government known, they might have fought harder or tried to stake a claim in the findings of their now forsaken territory. At first, not many people believed that gold had actually been found, but then Sam Brannan paraded through San Francisco with a vial of gold, which caused most of the male population in the city to head for the mines. Shortly thereafter, the entire state of California followed, and then the rest of the country in time.
There was a report written by military governor Colonel Richard B. Mason that stated that more than $17,000 was discovered in just seven days by two miners of Weber Creek, and that six miners with 50 Indians took out 273 pounds of gold. The sales at the merchandise store owned by Sam Brannan near the mines actually made more than $36,000 in just three months during 1848. Mason sent the report, along with a tin of gold, to Washington.
After this report was issued, everyone in the country flocked to the California Gold Rush, with dreams of a bigger life and a better hope for their future. There were many people who had never worked hard a day in their lives, and learned that mining was not easy money. People were often injured and killed during digs, and sickness ravaged the area. It didn’t matter how bad things got, though, because people kept on coming.
San Francisco went from being a tiny port town to becoming a giant metropolis with a stable and lively economy. There was about $10 million in gold found in 1849, $41 million in 1850, $75 million in 1851, and $81 million in 1852. Large mining companies began to take over the area in decades after the rush, and many miners settled down and stopped mining because the companies had taken over. Essentially though, the California gold rush came to an end in 1958 when the Mexican Gold rush started.
Return To Gold Coins