gold rush
a large migration of people to a newly discovered gold field
Although there were many gold rushes in world history, the California gold rush was a unique event.
entrepreneur
someone who organizes a business venture and assumes the risk for it
The biggest moneymakers were entrepreneurs who supplied the gold miners with much-needed supplies and services.
Marshall
United States actor (1914-1998)
Gold was first discovered in California by James Marshall in early 1848.
rush
act or move at high speed
Although there were many gold rushes in world history, the California gold rush was a unique event.
South America
a continent in the western hemisphere connected to North America by the Isthmus of Panama
Others traveled by ship around the tip of South America.
Panama
a republic on the Isthmus of Panama; achieved independence from Colombia in 1903
Still others took shortcuts across Panama and Mexico.
route
an established line of travel or access
Within a matter of months, word spread eastward and by 1849 thousands were en route to California.
Oregon
a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
Some traveled overland on the already established Oregon-California Trail.
Mexico
a republic in southern North America; became independent from Spain in 1810
Still others took shortcuts across Panama and Mexico.
