Recommended Website:
Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush of 1849 unleashed one of the largest migrations of human beings in history. This website is comprehensive, yet the information is manageable and not overwhelming in presenting the history of the Gold Rush. It includes the story of how gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, the migration by land and by sea, and the development of cities from Sacramento to Los Angeles as a result. The site explains the way of life of miners, their housing, diet, the culture that developed, punishment for criminal behavior, and the part the press played.
There is an extraordinary account of the affect of the Gold Rush on people, including Mexicans, Native Americans, African Americans, the Chinese, and women. The impact to the environment is also explored from the ravaging of the landscape by opportunists to the poisoning of streams from mercury used to mine for gold. There is interesting information here on the development of water systems in the state, and the economical impact of the gold rush. Equally fascinating is the account of the Gold Rush country today.
One of the best parts of this site is the “Travel” section. Practically a virtual field trip to the gold country is offered in this log of historical sites to visit in California. Included in the descriptions are Indian Grinding Rock, Columbia State Historic Park, the Empire Mine, caves to explore in the Mother Lode country, and more.
Everything at the site includes interesting text and original photographs and illustrations. It is extremely user-friendly in its presentation of historical information. There are also links to resources for further research and study.
