The Gold Rush was a significant event in American history that began in 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California. This discovery led to a massive influx of people, known as forty-niners, who traveled to California in hopes of striking it rich. The population of California grew rapidly as thousands of prospectors and settlers arrived, transforming the region's economy and society. The Gold Rush had lasting effects on the United States, including the acceleration of westward expansion and the establishment of new towns and infrastructure. It also contributed to the displacement of Native American communities and increased tensions over land and resources. The Gold Rush ultimately played a crucial role in shaping California's identity and its path toward statehood.