Conflict during the California Gold Rush

Eureka! This exclamation is California's state motto which originates from when miners would strike gold during the California Gold Rush. The California Gold Rush lasted for about 7 years, starting in early 1848 and ending in 1855. Word of gold in California spread far and wide very rapidly. Thus, people from all over the world traveled to various parts of California in hopes of getting rich.

However, some of these new California immigrant groups, like the Chinese and African Americans, faced discrimination. At the same time, already inhabited indigenous groups in California were fighting for their own preservation against incoming white settlers. This exhibit examines how the California Gold Rush was not as glamorous as it appeared.

Map of California Gold Regions