jan 24, 1848 - California Gold Rush

Description:

What: Gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. More than 300,000 people came here seeking fortune. The term "forty-niners" came from those who were seeking fortune in 1849. Although about 2 billion dollars in gold was extracted, few of the prospectors struck it rich.

Important People: James W. Marshall and John Sutter

Led to War: California had just been acquired from Mexico and was in its infancy. It was prepared to enter as a free state. Due to its infancy, laws were not strictly enforced. Because of these loosely enforced laws, many travelers got away with bringing their slaves along with them. This put enmity between the new settlers and the current residents, causing much unwanted conflict. This conflict caused many to hold grudges, which were later reinforced by the many other controversial acts.