The California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush began in the mid-nineteenth century when gold particles were found at Sutter’s Mill. This was a central event in the history of this state, bringing with it a flood of people and a boon to the economy. The Gold Rush caused considerable growth in this state, changing San Francisco into the important city it is today. It also caused California to be admitted as a state in 1850. Early gold-seekers, which were referred to as "forty-niners," – which, incidentally, is where the San Francisco football team gets their name – journeyed to this state in search of the Mother Lode. The California Mother Lode is a streak of gold located in that state. Basically, it refers to California Gold Country. To the east of this is found the Gold Bug Mine. This mine offers tours, and shows visitors what life was like in the early mining days of California. One of the more famous mining towns is Auburn, California. Located 130 miles from San Francisco, this city still allows visitors to experience the gold mining lifestyle by panning for gold, and seeing the sights of the town. Today, a 44-lb gold nugget is on display at the Ironstone Winery in California. This nugget is the largest piece of crystalline gold in the world. The California Gold Rush changed the history of the state, and helped lead to what is known as the "California Dream."