Merchants Strike It Rich: Levi Strauss and Others — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

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

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the impact of merchants like Levi Strauss during the Gold Rush era in California. Students will learn how business owners played an important role in westward expansion by meeting the needs of gold seekers. The passage is designed to support foundational literacy skills and includes a glossary, timeline, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are included for accessibility. The passage is aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it ideal for social studies and ELA integration. Key vocabulary terms are defined in context, and students will analyze cause and effect relationships as they discover how merchants became rich without finding gold themselves. This resource is perfect for supporting history and literacy standards in the classroom.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Gold prospector blowing away dirt to find the gold in his pan while a visiting prospector looks on. Pinos Altos, New Mexico.
Source: Library of Congress - Lee, Russell, 1903-1986

In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California. The news spread quickly across the United States. Thousands of people rushed west, hoping to find gold and get rich. These people were called prospectors. But not everyone who made money during the Gold Rush dug for gold.

Some people saw a different way to succeed. They became merchants. Merchants sold goods that gold miners needed, such as food, tools, and clothes. One of the most famous merchants was Levi Strauss. He was born in Germany and moved to America to help his family.

Levi Strauss traveled to San Francisco in 1853. He planned to sell cloth and supplies to miners. The miners worked hard every day. Their clothes ripped and tore. They needed something stronger to wear. Levi saw this problem and wanted to help. He worked with a tailor named Jacob Davis. Together, they made pants from strong blue fabric called denim. They added metal rivets at the pockets and seams. This made the pants much tougher.

Levi Strauss’s pants became very popular. Many miners bought them because they lasted a long time. Soon, these pants were known as blue jeans. Levi Strauss grew rich, not from finding gold, but from solving a problem.

Other merchants also became successful. People like Samuel Brannan sold picks and shovels. Some opened hotels and restaurants. They all helped the mining towns grow. Merchants worked hard and used their ideas to make life easier for others.

During this time, one store owner said, “I never made a cent from mining, but I made a fortune selling to miners.” This shows how important merchants were to the Gold Rush.

By the 1850s, towns and cities had grown in California. The Gold Rush changed the state forever. Merchants helped build these new communities. They showed that you did not need to find gold to be successful. Hard work and smart ideas could also lead to success.

Interesting Fact: Levi Strauss’s company still makes blue jeans today. People all over the world wear them!

Who discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill?

It was discovered in CaliforniaLevi StraussJacob DavisSamuel Brannan

When did Levi Strauss arrive in San Francisco?

1848185318601850

What did merchants sell to miners?

GoldFood, tools, and clothesHorsesJewelry

Why did miners need strong pants?

To look niceTheir clothes ripped easilyTo keep warmFor swimming

How did Levi Strauss solve a problem?

By finding goldBy making tough pantsBy selling goldBy opening a hotel

What was an effect of the Gold Rush?