California Before and After the Gold Rush

Before 1848

• Sparse population; mainly Indigenous peoples.
• Economy based on agriculture, ranching, fishing.
• Small, scattered settlements.
• Little outside interest.

After Gold Discovery (1848)

• Massive influx – the Gold Rush.
• Population explosion; San Francisco becomes largest city west of the Mississippi.
• Rapid urbanization and new towns.
• Diverse, booming economy.
• Statehood achieved in 1850.

The Gold Rush transformed California from a quiet frontier into a global magnet.