More people, more gold, more everything! The flood of people into California during the Gold Rush increased the demand for services, homes, food, goods, jobs – you name it.
While thousands headed to the gold fields in search of fortune, many started businesses to meet the needs of California’s growing population. Others became farmers who grew food for the hungry population. California’s Gold Rush economy gave minorities and women opportunities they could not find in other places. Together, these new Californians transformed California’s economy and society.
