In 1849, a significant event in American history took place: the California Gold Rush. This was a time when thousands of people flocked to California after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill. The promise of wealth and a better life drove many to leave their homes, leading to a massive migration westward. The Gold Rush not only transformed California but also had a lasting impact on the entire United States. Towns sprang up almost overnight, and the population exploded. This period also highlighted issues such as immigration, lawlessness, and the treatment of Native Americans, shaping the future of the region and the nation.