Gold Discovered in California
In 1849, following the discovery of gold in California, more people crossed the Plains westward than had made the continental crossing in all previous years. It's not surprising that a newspaper editor, during this time, informed his readers that if The United States government acquired territory on the moon, "the Yankees would contrive some plan to emigrate to it." He well could have added that if gold were discovered on the moon it would have the same effect.
An Unending Stream of Whites
After gold was discovered in California, in 1849, the Native Americans got a full dose of the determined and adventure-driven white people that were invading their homelands.
That the Indians possessed this same staunch stubbornness in their endeavor to hold their lands and keep the whites out, history leaves no doubt. However, the whites, vastly outnumbering and outgunning the Indians, produced a replenishing stream by means of immigration from Europe and other lands. This was an advantage the Indians did not have, along with helping to create their own downfall by warring with each other in stead of banding together against a common enemy-the whites.
Forts Along the Oregon Trail
Even before the discovery of gold in California the government deemed it necessary to establish a means of protection for those whose destination and determination was fertile land in Oregon Country or in converting the less fertile souls of the Red Men. In 1846 well over $87,500 was authorize to establish military forts along the Oregon Trail. These funds were also intended to man and equip the forts, while $2,000 of the money was to compensate the Indian tribes who claimed possession of the lands where each fort would be built.
They Headed West: America's Westward Expansion continues with continues with More Gold Rushes: Little Beaver and Colorado Gold.
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