Gold Rush era

The Gold Rush era, primarily during the mid-19th century, refers to the mass migration of people to areas where gold was discovered, notably in California in 1849. This event ignited a frenzy of prospecting, leading to rapid population growth and the establishment of boomtowns. The influx of fortune-seekers, known as "49ers," transformed the economy and culture of the West, often resulting in conflict with indigenous populations and environmental changes. Ultimately, the Gold Rush played a significant role in shaping America's westward expansion and contributed to the development of California as a key state in the nation.