Gold Rush Powerpoint

Slide 1: The Gold Rush of 1849 Finding your way to California

Slide 2: Origins of the Gold Rush ◊ Westward Expansion • Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the United States Army were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804 to explore the possible expansion of US territory to the west. • The Corps of Discovery (as the expedition was called) lasted from 1804-1806. • This journey gave the US Government a deep understanding of the geography of the territory. • It also promoted commerce in this region, prompting many to decide to move across the country.

Slide 3: Striking Gold! ◊ Forty-Two Years after Lewis and Clark’s expedition concluded gold was struck in Northern California ◊ January 24, 1848 - James Marshall strikes gold while mining ◊ The land was owned by Captain John Sutter and was near San Francisco

Slide 4: The Rush is On! ◊ Northern California becomes the place to be in 1849. ◊ Thousands travel west with “Gold Fever” to reach the region in hopes of striking it rich! ◊ These people were known as “49ers” because they picked up everything and moved west in 1849.

Slide 5: How do I get to California? ◊ Three main routes taken during Gold Rush in 1849-1850 • Overland Route ◊ Groups left from Midwest and traveled across the Plains • Water Route ◊ Groups left from Eastern port cities (Boston, New York, and Philadelphia and traveled around South America • Water and Land Route ◊ Groups left from Eastern port cities for the East Coast of Panama and left from the West Coast of Panama in a different boat for California

Slide 6: Choosing your way: Overland ◊ Traveled by Covered Wagon in groups called “Wagon Trains” ◊ Approximately 40,000 people chose this route from 1849-1850 ◊ Travelers had to cross over rivers, mountains, prairies, and deserts

Slide 7: Choosing your way: Water Route ◊ Large Clipper Ships were form of transportation used to travel around South America ◊ Stopped in Brazil and Chile to gather supplies and refuel ◊ More than 15,000 people chose this route to travel to California

Slide 8: Choosing your way: Water and Land Route ◊ Large ships traveled from northeast to the Isthmus of Panama in the Gulf of Mexico ◊ Travelers then made their way sixty miles through the jungle California ◊ Panama City was the port for the second ship to California

Slide 9: Which Route is the Best? Overland Route Water Routes

Slide 10: You Decide! ◊ Use this Webquest to find out more information about each option and choose which is the best route for Striking it Rich in California! ◊ Use your knowledge of the three routes and write a persuasive letter that supports your choice ◊ The Webquest will further outline both the task and the final project