The nature and impact of the California Gold Rush (1848-1849) and the consequences of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush (1858-1859)

California Gold Rush

A mass migration to California following the discovery of gold in 1848.

James Marshall

The man who discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in January 1848.

San Francisco

The port town where news of gold in California first spread.

Gold Diggers

Individuals who rushed to California in search of gold.

Stamp Mills

Factories that crushed quartz to extract gold.

1850

The year California became a state.

Indigenous People

Native American communities that faced exploitation during the gold rush.

Miner's Needs

The basic supplies that were sold at inflated prices to gold miners.

Pike's Peak Gold Rush

A gold rush that began in 1858 after gold was discovered in Kansas.

Quartz Mining

An efficient way to extract gold using stamp mills.

Population Growth

The increase in residents due to the gold rush, leading to statehood for California and Kansas.

El Dorado

A term often associated with the mythical city of gold sought by miners.

Railroads

Transportation routes that increased to supply goods due to the gold rush.

Exploitation

The unfair treatment of indigenous people who were forced into cheap labor.

Frenzy of 1849

The massive influx of over 50,000 miners to California after gold was confirmed.

Surplus Goods

Excess products produced in California that needed transportation to the East.

Flooding

A significant environmental issue caused by mining that washed away towns.

Kiowa Incident

An event symbolizing rising tensions between indigenous peoples and white settlers.

Stamp Mill Dominance

By 1852, 108 stamp mills were active in California's gold extraction.

Chemical Pollution

The environmental damage caused by chemicals used in gold extraction.

Three Routes to Pike's Peak

Paths promoted by towns for miners, influencing migration to gold districts.