California Trail
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The California Trail was an emigrant trail of about 1,600 mi across the western half of the North American continent from Missouri River towns to what is now the state of California. After it was esta
Depiction of a wagon train crossing the Great Salt Lake Desert toward California
John Marsh's ranch was the end of the California Trail. His large stone house still stands and is now part of Marsh Creek State Park in Contra Costa County.
John Bidwell
California gold rush
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The California gold rush was a gold rush in California, which began on January 24, 1848, when gold was found by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. The news of gold brought appro
California Trail
…and marines in 1846 and 1847 in conquering California in the Mexican–American War. After the discovery of gold in January 1848, word spread about the California Gold Rush. Starting in late 1848 until 1869, more than 250,000 businessmen, farmers, pioneers and miners passed over the California Trail to California. The…
Prospectors working California gold placer deposits in 1850
1855 illustration of James W. Marshall, discoverer of gold at Sutter's Mill
Advertisement about sailing to California, c. 1850
Merchant ships fill San Francisco Bay, 1850–51.