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Discovery of Gold in 1848 by James Marshall — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.1
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging U.S. History passage introduces students to the discovery of gold in 1848 by James Marshall and the beginning of the California Gold Rush. It presents the sequence of events that led thousands to travel west in search of fortune, exploring the impact on the nation during the era of Westward Expansion. Designed for elementary learners, the passage uses clear language, an inspiring narrative, and concrete examples to build historical understanding and literacy skills. Students will learn key vocabulary, analyze cause and effect, and explore the significance of the Gold Rush through a timeline and multiple activities. The resource includes a glossary, Spanish translation, reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer for classroom or independent study. This history reading passage aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards and includes a read aloud audio feature.

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Historic American Buildings Survey Wells Fargo Bank Historical Museum, S.F. Photographed- June 1926 HERE LIVED JAMES W. MARSHALL WHO DISCOVERED THE MIGHTY SECRET OF THE SIERRA - HABS CAL,9-COLO,2-1 — "Historic American Buildings Survey Wells Fargo Bank Historical Museum, S.F. Photographed- June 1926 James W Marshall who discovered gold.Wikimedia Commons

The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in California changed American history. In January 1848, a man named James Marshall was building a sawmill for John Sutter along the American River. While working, Marshall noticed shiny flakes in the water. He picked them up and realized they were gold.

At first, Marshall and Sutter tried to keep the discovery a secret. They worried that people would rush to their land and cause trouble. But soon, the news spread. By the summer of 1848, people all over California and the United States had heard about the gold. This started the Gold Rush.

Thousands of people, called forty-niners, traveled to California in search of gold. Some came by ship around South America. Others crossed dangerous land routes over mountains and deserts. The journey was long and hard, but the hope of becoming rich drove people to take risks.

The Gold Rush caused California's population to grow quickly. In 1848, very few people lived in California. By 1850, more than 100,000 people had arrived. New towns grew up near gold fields. Businesses opened to serve miners. People from many places, including Asia, Europe, and South America, came to California. This made California more diverse than ever before.

The Gold Rush also changed the land. Rivers were dug up and forests were cut down. Many miners did not find gold, but some became very wealthy. The money from gold helped California build cities and railroads. In 1850, California became a state, partly because of its growing population and wealth.

The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill sparked big changes in the United States. People from all over the world came together to search for gold. California became a place of hope and new beginnings.

Interesting Fact: In just five years, people took more than $2 billion worth of gold from California's ground!

Who found gold at Sutter's Mill?

James MarshallJohn SutterA minerA farmer

What year did the Gold Rush begin?

1848185018301860

Where was the gold found?

American RiverMississippi RiverHudson BayLake Superior

Why did people travel to California?

To find goldTo visit familyFor farmingFor school

How did the Gold Rush change California?

It grew fastIt became colderIt lost peopleIt stopped mining

What happened because of the Gold Rush?