Read the text Joining the Gold Rush. On February 2, 1848, the United States and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo, a treaty that gave ownership of California to the United States. Unbeknownst to them, James W. Marshall had discovered flakes of gold at Sutter's Mill near Coloma, California just days earlier. Marshall shared the news with John Sutter, the owner of the mill, and the two men decided to keep the discovery a secret. Unfortunately for them, news of the golden flakes spread. Sam Brannan even walked through San Francisco with gold, proving that there was indeed gold for the taking.

When the news reached the East Coast, many American citizens were skeptical. When President James K. Polk shared a report written by Colonel Richard Mason, the military governor of California, the nation learned about the huge amounts of gold available. With this official confirmation, many men decided to sell their possessions, leave their families, and go west. They had gold fever and wanted to strike it rich. Most women did not go west. Instead, they remained at home to take care of businesses and farms. Many American prospectors chose to join the gold rush by sailing around Cape Horn or traveling overland along the Oregon-California Trail.

Sailing Around Cape Horn

a map of the world with ships starting at the East Coast of the United States, traveling around South America, and ending on the West Coast of the Unites States

Many people living on the East Coast chose to sail around the bottom tip of South America, past Cape Horn. Passengers purchased their fare for between 500 and 1000 dollars or more. The trip was long and could take five to seven months. Many passengers suffered from seasickness and boredom. Stormy weather sometimes sank ships. Cape Horn was infamous for its strong currents and unpredictable winds. Despite these dangers, over a third of fortune hunters chose to travel by ocean.

Traveling Along the Oregon—California Trail

a map of the United States showing the Oregon Trail showing pioneers, a covered wagon, and a horse approaching the Rocky Mountains

Those living in America's West chose to travel more than 2,000 miles overland along the Oregon-California Trail. For four to six months, oxen pulled the covered wagons filled with possessions along the bumpy trail. Prospectors walked beside the wagons or rode on horses. Wagons traveled together in groups called wagon trains. At night, the wagons made a circle to provide protection for the animals. Travelers cooked over fires and slept in the wagons or outside under the stars. These adventurers faced a lack of fresh drinking water, which led to outbreaks of cholera and typhoid. The journey to California led prospectors through formidable landscapes, including swift rivers, dusty plains, and dry deserts. Treacherous weather hit adventurers with lightning, hailstorms, and floods. Finally, as Native Americans watched an increasing number of people encroach upon their lands, they began to attack. However, these prospectors persevered and arrived in California.

Regardless of their methods, over 300,000 adventurers joined the gold rush and arrived in California. Their contributions led to the creation of the state and shaped the city of San Francisco, which is built on abandoned gold rush ships.

What were two ways that people reached California during the Gold Rush? Use the maps to find the answers.