Other
The Gold Rush: Collision of Cultures
This page discusses the many different cultures that came to California during the gold rush.
Other
The Gold Rush: Fever
This resource provides information about the Gold Rush, and fever that took place during westward expansion.
Sacramento Bee
Gold Rush: Religion Reclaimed Souls
This article, entitled "Religion Reclaimed Souls as Mining Expanded," contains information on the developement of religion in California during the gold rush.
Other
Sierra Foothill Magazine: Gold Rush Women
This article discusses the varied roles of women during the Gold Rush.
Other
The Gold Rush: San Francisco
This page discusses how the gold rush led to the massive growth of San Francisco.
Library of Congress
Loc: California History Collection: The Discovery of Gold
Contains an article on the discovery of gold in California at Sutter's Mill that resulted in the California Gold Rush.
Oakland Museum of California
Gold Rush: California on the Eve Californios
This resource presents information about the Spanish influence in California before the Gold Rush.
Books in the Classroom
Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: In Plain Sight
Carol Hurst uses one of her own books, "In Plain Sight," as a basis for this lesson plan on the California gold rush. In addition to discussion questions about the book, Hurst provides ten activities designed to help students explore...
The History Cat
The History Cat: Westward Expansion
Here you can learn about the Oregon Trail, Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and life as a pioneer through text, images, video, and quotes.
Other
Gold Rush Chronicles: The Pony Express
At this comprehensive site, students learn about the first cross-country mail courier service in the United States, the Pony Express.
Other
California State Military Museum: Mariposa Indian War, 1850 1851
The California State Military Museum has captured the history of the Indian Wars. This is a synopsis of the Mariposa Indian War which occurred between 1850-1851, the best known battle during the Gold Rush years.
Oakland Museum of California
Gold Rush: Prospecting: Chinese Placer Mining
This resource presents information about Chinese miners in California and the prejudice they suffered.
Other
The Gold Rush: The Journey
Read about the routes followed by those seeking the riches of California. Find out the advantages and hazards of each route.
Other
The Gold Rush: Changes
Read about the environmental impact the changing technology of gold mining inflicted on California and the economic impact on the miners.
Other
The Gold Rush: Despair
This page discusses what happened to many of the gold miners when the gold ran out in California.
Digital History
Digital History: The Gold Rush
See how the discovery of gold changed California and introduced lawlessness, violence, and vigilantism.
Other
Gold Rush Players: Johann Augustus Sutter
Chronicles the life of John Sutter who immigrated to America to find his fortune and then saw it crumble away after the discovery of gold at his mill.
Other
Gold Rush Players: James Wilson Marshall
This article provides a brief overview of the life of James Marshall, who discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848.
Museum of the City of San Francisco
Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco: Ulysses S. Grant and the Gold Rush
From Ulysses S. Grant's memoirs is this description of his 1852 trip to California across Panama and his stay in San Francisco.
Other
California Gold Country: James W. Marshall's Account of First Discovery of Gold
James W. Marshall's own words about discovering gold at Sutter's Mill in California in 1848.
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: James Wilson Marshall (1810 1885)
A brief biography of James Marshall who discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848, which led to the California Gold Rush.
Sacramento Bee
The Sacramento Bee: Timeline of John Sutter
John Sutter was the unwitting lynchpin in the California Gold Rush. Read the time line of events that show how he suffered for that discovery.
Other
Ailello Studios: The Land of Glittering Dreams
Learn some interesting facts about the California Gold Rush through images, personal stories and other writings.
Harp Week
Harp Week: Mining Life in California
Illustrated article from Harper's Weekly, October 3, 1857, page 632, focusing on Chinese workers and their life in California mining camps.