Introduction for Students

In January, 1849, gold was discovered at John Sutter's mill in California. When the news spread from the neraby city of San Francisco to the rest of the United States many saw the opportunity to strike it rich. Americans and immigrants from other countries raced to California to stake their claims on what they hoped would be rich pay dirt. Some made their fortunes and some didn't, but they were all part of a great adventure that contributed to the growth in population and development of California.

You are an author and illustrator of books for young people and you want to tell the story of the gold rush. You have heard that there is a fortune to be made in California and that gold is easy to find. Is this really true? You must find as much information as you can about what really goes on in the gold fields. Read historical accounts, look at maps and pictures, and talk to the miners to get the real story. When you have gathered your information, print a book for young people so they will understand this exciting time and how it affected the miners and the whole country.