The California Gold Rush
(1848-1855)
The California Gold Rush inspired many people, to try and “get rich quick”. The gold rush bought in about 300,000 people. Around half of them came by sea. While most of the people were American, some traveled by sea from China, Australia, Europe, and Latin America. The forty-niners, named after the year 1849, often faced hardships while searching for gold.
Gold was first found just lying on the ground, and could be picked up. After that was gone, people turned to simple methods, like panning through river or stream water. The amount of gold found, translated into today’s dollar, was worth billions. Though some made a massive profit, others only made a small amount more then they started with.
People could earn thousands of dollars each day, and some average, amateur prospectors could earn up to 10-15 times the daily wage. Six months in the gold field was about six years’ wages at some people’s old homeland job.
Before and after the rush settled, a lot of the gold was spent locally, on food, supplies, and shelter.
I believe it is very exciting to read about this topic, and it must have been overwhelming for those making a ton of money. If I was the person who found out about some the gold, I wouldn't have told anybody until I was satisfied with millions. I also think it is cool that some of the gold they found might be in my posession some day, if I invest!
Sources;
[1.Information/GoldNuggetsPhoto] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush
[2.MinerPhoto] http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/three/63_02.htm
Comments
Well done Lucas!