California Gold Rush Essay -- American History

There have been many discoveries that have molded our nation as a whole. Discoveries have allowed our country to thrive and dumbfound one of the most powerful nations in the world. When we look back at our nations rich history, it is clear to see that thither was one baring in particular that had a vast impact on the United States the discovery was gold in calcium. It was in this vastly unoccupied territory that the American dream was forever changed and California emerged as a powerful subject busting at the seams. The California Gold Rush shaped California into the sound out that it is today. California is defined by its promise of entrepreneurial success and its betrothal and encouragement of obtaining the American Dream. During the late 1840s California did not show a lot promise or security. It had an insecure political future, its economic capabilities were severely contain and it had a population, other than Indians, of less than three thousand people. People at this ti me had no idea of what was to come of the sleepy state in the coming years. California would help boost the nations economy and entice immigrants to move to this mystical and promising priming in hopes of striking it rich. In 1839 a man by the name of John Sutter arrived in California. Sutter appeared to be close to of a drifter, and had failed to establish himself before arriving in California. However, in the land of enormous promise, he planned to establish an empire for himself. Sutter was granted eleven square toes leagues, or 50, 000 acres, in the lower Sacramento area. This was a common land grant for the times. Sutter got to work and began to improve his land. He went on to build a fort, accumulated over 12,000 cattle and hired hundreds of workers to hel... ... of official or substantive government was established. The gold was easily accessible and there were no restrictions on the methods or terms of its use. This created economical problems within the state. While the gold was plentiful, there was a lack of other supplies and necessities. Food was hard to come by in anything but hard tack -- and stuff like jerk and dried beef. Fresh vegetables were very rare. California was becoming known for its entrepreneurial opportunities soon many were coming to California, not to work in the excavation filed, rather to set up business and cater to the digging communities. in brief there were saloons, hotels, and red light districts spread throughout San Francisco and outer mining communities. Women who were forced to rely on men to support them back home, came to California and were able to work and support themselves in these towns.