January 24 in American History
A carpenter spotted flecks of gold in a California riverbed, and within a year the Gold Rush was on — some 300,000 people poured west, from every corner of the country and the world. It transformed California overnight, accelerated its path to statehood, and cemented the American dream of striking out for a better fortune.
In 1848: gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill. A carpenter spotted flecks of gold in a California riverbed, and within a year the Gold Rush was on — some 300,000 people poured west, from every corner of the country and the world.
A carpenter spotted flecks of gold in a California riverbed, and within a year the Gold Rush was on — some 300,000 people poured west, from every corner of the country and the world. It transformed California overnight, accelerated its path to statehood, and cemented the American dream of striking out for a better fortune.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
Where's today's "gold rush"?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.
Take the Free Assessment →