Unit #4: The Western Expansion - Mining

Klondike Gold Rush

the discovery of more gold in the region of Canada bordering Alaska drew even more to the west; after their first winter, many of these moved southward and became even more people populating the west.

Comstock Lode

A deposit of gold, richer than California's was discovered in Nevada; one mine alone, in its first two years of operation, produced over $500 million; the word spread, and thousands went west in search of their fortune.

Big Business

Mining soon became a huge business enterprise because the potential was so great; gradually replaced the individual miners, so that the vast majority of mines became commercial mining operations; new and advanced mining techniques were introduced.

Background

The California Gold Rush (1848 - 1849) drew thousands to that area in search of gold; after the Civil War, the west became an even greater lure to the Americans.

Mining Life

drew people of all races, creeds, backgrounds, religions, etc. including many of the Chinese who had worked on the railroads; usually crude and violent places; with prosperity, came women and families, and civilization, and law and order.