USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The 1848 discovery of gold in California set off a frenzied Gold Rush to the state the next year as hopeful prospectors, called “forty-niners, ” poured into the state.

Detailed explanation-2: -Polk confirmed the discovery of gold in an address to Congress. As a result, individuals seeking to benefit from the gold rush-later called the “forty-niners"-began moving to the Gold Country of California or “Mother Lode” from other countries and from other parts of the United States.

Detailed explanation-3: -There were a number of routes to take to California. Chinese miners sailed across the Pacific Ocean, spending up to two months making the trip in small boats. The three main routes used by American gold seekers were the Oregon-California Trail, the Cape Horn route, and the Panama shortcut.

Detailed explanation-4: -What Started the 49ers Gold Rush? The gold rush in California started on January 24, 1848 when James Marshall found gold flakes in the American River. His first gold strike occured at Sutter’s Mill.