The California Gold Rush began in 1848 after gold was found at Sutter's Mill in Coloma. The news brought more than 300,000 people into California, all of whom sought their fortunes in gold. Because the bulk of the first rush took place in 1849, the fortune hunters were called "forty-niners." They came from as far away as Australia and China.
Regular Websites
California Gold: Diary and Letters of James Burr
Displays the diary and letters home from a man who went west to find his fortune in the gold fields of California. He describes the trip from New York City, his employment at various jobs, and his construction of a house so he could send for his family. - California Gold: Diary and Letters of James Burr
http://www.duke.edu/~agf2/history391/
California's Untold Stories: Gold Rush!
Hosted by the Oakland Museum of California, this website delves into the experience of being involved in the 1849 gold rush in California. It tells the story of gold fever, which overtook virtually everyone i the region, biographical exhibitions of those who were involved and their perspectives, and more tales from the gold mines. - California's Untold Stories: Gold Rush!
http://museumca.org/goldrush/
Eye Witness to History: The California Gold Rush
Traces the history of the Gold Rush of 1849, from the first discovery at Sutter's Mill, to the drastic influx of prospectors, to the boom towns. Also depicts life in the miners' camps. - Eye Witness to History: The California Gold Rush
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/californiagoldrush.htm
This website, which is hosted by the Sacramento Bee, the daily newspaper in the state capital of California, brings the gold rush to live for the reader. Articles abound about such things as Coloma's boom, religion in the mining camp, and what the miners ate, as well as an account of the competition among the newly-founded newspapers. - Gold Rush
http://www.calgoldrush.com/
Designed as a learning tool to go along with the PBS documentary of the Gold Rush, this website discusses the people and events of the rush, shows maps of the areas, and offers first-hand stories about the adventure. - PBS: The Gold Rush
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/goldrush/