Tuesday, 29th January 2008 (1113 views)

The American gold rush encouraged the continent's cultural and ethnic diversity, it has been observed.

Matt and Betty Bailey, residents of Dutch Flat, told the Colfax Record that California's mining boom welcomed people from all over the world to the golden state.

"A lot of the Europeans immigrating to America were told to go west.

"The opportunity to homestead a plot of land was almost too good to be true. So they came - by boat, wagon and then later, by train," said Mr Bailey.

According to the resident, many people fail to realise that the gold rush took place relatively recently - he noted that his mother remembers watching teams of oxen and wagons trailing through Santa Cruz.

The report maintained that while many people flocked to California to make a fortune in gold, even those who failed to strike it rich felt their journey was worthwhile.

Immigrants seeking treasures found "a new home, a new beginning and an opportunity for a new life", states the publication.

The California gold rush began when the metal was first discovered in state in 1848.

 

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