Gold!
The American Gold Rush began on the American River in Northern California around 1849. It gave birth to San Francisco, which, before the rush, was a tiny village, and hastened California's admission as a state in 1850.
Gold was found near the river at the site of a sawmill owned by John Sutter. This discovery sparked a rush to California that had never been seen as thousands came in search of riches.
These are photos of Sutter’s Mill and the first gold mine, now a state historical park.
