Gold Stampede

The Gold Stampede was a major gold rush in 1859 triggered by the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in California. It led thousands of prospectors and settlers to flood into the region, hoping to find wealth. This sudden migration caused rapid settlement, economic growth, and infrastructural development in California. It also significantly impacted Native American populations and the environment. The Gold Stampede exemplifies how a single discovery can spark a nationwide or even international rush, shaping history through migration, economic opportunity, and the expansion of territories.