The Discovery of Gold in 1848 by James Marshall — Reading Comprehension

In January 1848, James Marshall found shiny yellow metal in the American River in California. James worked at Sutter's Mill, helping to build a sawmill for John Sutter. While checking the water channel, James saw something sparkling in the water. He picked it up and shouted, “I have found it!” The shiny metal was gold.

James Marshall quickly told John Sutter about his discovery. They tried to keep it a secret, but soon the news spread. Workers at the mill saw the gold too. They told their friends and families. By March 1848, people in California had heard about the gold. Newspapers began to print stories. People became very excited. Some people called it "gold fever."

By the end of 1848, thousands of people traveled to California. They came from places nearby and far away. Some came from other countries. These people were called forty-niners, because many arrived in 1849. They hoped to find gold and become rich. Many walked or rode horses for months to reach California. Some traveled by ship around the tip of South America. Others crossed the dangerous deserts.

The Gold Rush changed California. Towns grew very quickly. New roads, schools, and stores were built. People from different cultures met and worked together. Some people found gold and became rich. Many others did not find gold, but stayed to build new lives.

The discovery of gold by James Marshall helped California become a state in 1850. The Gold Rush brought many people together. It showed the power of hope and hard work.

"I picked up one or two pieces and examined them minutely," James Marshall later wrote. "I had no doubt of their being gold."

Interesting Fact: Levi Strauss, who made the first blue jeans, started his business during the Gold Rush to sell sturdy pants to miners.

Who found gold at Sutter's Mill?

In what year was gold discovered?

What river did James Marshall work near?

Why did people rush to California?

What does 'forty-niners' mean?

How did the Gold Rush change California?

James Marshall found gold in 1850.

What does 'discovery' mean?