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Accidental Discovery At Sutter's Mill
- James Marshall discovered gold while building a timber mill for John Sutter in January 1848.
- Workers tested nuggets with lye and pounding, confirming gold and sparking local excitement.
Gold Rush As Global Magnet
- The Gold Rush transformed California into a magnet for global migrants seeking quick fortune.
- It created boomtowns and a culture of risk that reshaped American expansion and ambition.
Sam Brannan's Jar That Emptied San Francisco
- Sam Brannan theatrically displayed a jar of gold dust in San Francisco to prove the rumors true.
- His stunt convinced many skeptical residents, emptying the city as people rushed to buy tools and leave for the mines.