The Great Gold Rush

The Great Gold Rush refers to several significant periods in history when large numbers of people flocked to specific areas to search for gold, driven by the hope of striking it rich. The most famous occurred in the mid-19th century, particularly the California Gold Rush of 1849, when thousands moved westward to find fortune. This migration led to rapid population growth, economic changes, and the establishment of towns, but it also caused conflicts over land, displacement of Indigenous peoples, and environmental impacts. The rush symbolized the quest for opportunity and adventure in American history.