Gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 drew people from across the United States and the world to California. The rush accelerated migration, trade, and the growth of settlements. California entered the Union in 1850.
Its consequences were profound and uneven. Native communities experienced displacement and violence, while mining changed waterways and landscapes. Visiting a historic site is an opportunity to learn both the economic history and the human costs.
The National Park Service offers historical context. Explore our California guide for more places and stories.
