The West Coast Gold Rush refers to a series of gold rushes that occurred in the western United States during the mid-19th century, primarily between 1848 and 1855. The most famous of these was the California Gold Rush, which began when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in 1848. This event attracted hundreds of thousands of prospectors, known as 49ers, seeking fortune and led to rapid population growth and economic development in the region. Other notable gold rushes occurred in places like Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. These events not only transformed local economies but also had significant social and environmental impacts. The influx of settlers often led to conflicts with Indigenous peoples and changes in land use, shaping the history of the American West.