The California Gold Rush


US History Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion The California Gold Rush
Students learn about the California Gold Rush and its impact on the environment, economy, population, and development of California. Then, students complete a map showing the areas of California impacted by the Gold Rush.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the California Gold Rush and its impact on the environment, economy, population, and development of California. Then, students complete a map showing the areas of California impacted by the Gold Rush.

Objective:

  • Describe how the Gold Rush affected California.


photograph of a man panning for gold

California Gold Miner


In January of 1848, James Marshall discovered gold in a California river while building a sawmill near present-day Sacramento. His discovery was publicized by a shopkeeper who ran through the streets yelling “Gold! Gold! Gold!” and with this, the California Gold Rush began.

Objective:

  • Describe how the Gold Rush affected California

In 1848, California’s population was about 160,000 people including Native Americans, Californios, and foreigners. By the end of the Gold Rush the population of California had grown to about 380,000. Along with the increase in population, there were a number of other changes, both good and bad, that impacted California as a result of the Gold Rush.

The phrase “gold rush” came into use after the California Gold Rush was over. In 1861, the Portland (Oregon) Daily Advertiser wrote: “It is stated that the entire country beyond the Cascades and the Rocky Mountains, is one vast gold field. There will be another gold rush in the spring.”


Are you familiar with any other words or phrases related to the California Gold Rush? If so, post them to the word cloud below.

Post your answer

Students may or may not know of additional words or phrases. Possible posts include:

  • forty-niners
  • gold fever
  • bonanza
  • nuggets
  • pay dirt
  • stake a claim
You can read about the history of these phrases and more in the article Language of the Gold Rush


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