The California Gold Rush and Forty-Niners — Reading Comprehension

The California Gold Rush began in 1848 when gold was found at Sutter’s Mill. James Marshall, a carpenter, saw something shiny in the water. He picked it up and realized it was gold. This news traveled quickly. Soon, people from all over the United States and other countries wanted to find gold, too.

In 1849, thousands of people rushed to California. They were called Forty-Niners because so many arrived in 1849. They came by wagon, horseback, and even ships. The journey was long and hard. Many faced sickness, hunger, and cold weather. Still, they kept going because they hoped to get rich.

The Forty-Niners set up camps and new towns. Some worked together to dig for gold in rivers and streams. Others opened shops and sold supplies. The Gold Rush helped California grow very fast. In just two years, the state’s population grew from about 14,000 to over 100,000 people.

Many people did not find much gold. Still, they showed great bravery and determination. They worked hard and helped each other. The Gold Rush also brought people from different backgrounds together. Some people became rich, but many stayed and helped build new cities and communities.

The Gold Rush ended in the mid-1850s when it became harder to find gold. California became a state in 1850, thanks to its growing population. The Gold Rush changed the history of the United States by making California a busy, important place.

Interesting Fact: Some people made more money selling supplies to miners than finding gold!

Who found gold at Sutter’s Mill?

What year did many people rush to California?

What did most Forty-Niners hope to find?

Why was the journey to California hard?

How did the Gold Rush help California?

What happened when gold became hard to find?

The Gold Rush started in 1848. True or false?

What does 'determination' mean?