Conclusion for Students

The LibraryQuest was designed to help you gain knowledge about the California Gold Rush by evaluating both primary and secondary sources. You learned about the beginning of the Gold Rush at Sutter's Mill, the people who increased the population of California, and the techniques they used to find gold. You also learned that although most miners did not find a fortune, they did contribute to the development of California.

You began by reading the words of a song called "Dig!Dig!Dig!" that showed you popular ideas about finding gold. You used sources from the Library of Congress to gather background information on the Gold Rush and to discuss the positive and negative effects it had on both people and the nation. Then you had a chance to meet real miners who went to California in the 1850s to seek their fortunes. Finally, you used you knowledge to create a book for children to teach them how the gold rush affected both the nation and ordinary people.

What are some other events in United States history that excited people and encouraged them to move to the West?