California Here We Come

As Pioneers moving into Kentucky and the Great Lakes were mostly farmers looking for more land, Pioneers moving to the Pacific were searching for riches in gold and silver. Young men left families at home to go West and get rich. It was a promise for the big opportunity that many Easterners were looking for - without the struggle of farming. 

All a typical Gold Rusher needed to "pan for gold" was a pick axe, shovel, washing pan, and rocker.  Most were young men who did send their profits back home, but most lost the rest to booze and bad companions.

Gold Rushers were never noted for their "self-control".  Think about it - what kind of people were attracted to "get rich" opporutnities?  Impulsive, Quick Thinking, Impatient, Risk Taker...all qualities associated with the Gold (and Silver) Rushers of the mid-1800s. 

Saturday nights at a Gold Rush camp included dancing, poker, booze and even auctions.  Since the camps were lacking women dance partners, half of the men would tie red hankerchiefs around their arm and "be a designated woman" for the evening.

Most gold rush camps were really gambling camps with gold being gained and lost quicker than it was earned.  It was no place for a family or "women of good repute".


For more on the Gold Rush  see "California Needs an Incentive" posted on 11/4/09

Next time...Early Mining Towns