California during the Gold Rush era. Wikimedia Commons.
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In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California. News spread quickly, and in 1849 huge numbers of people travelled to California hoping to become rich. They became known as “forty-niners.” Some miners found gold, but many did not. Merchants who sold food, tools and clothing could also make money from the rapidly growing population. The Gold Rush transformed California, accelerated settlement and brought people from many parts of the world. It also caused severe displacement and violence for Native American communities.
