Famous People of the California Gold Rush

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Famous People of the California Gold Rush

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These were all people who became famous without mining for gold!

Do you recognize any of these people?

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John Sutter

Envisioned an agricultural empire near the American River

Wanted discovery of gold kept secret

Never did appreciate the opportunities of the Gold Rush, and left California penniless

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James Marshall

Discovered gold pebbles while building Sutter’s Mill

Feared the effects of potential prospectors, who eventually forced him off his land

Also died nearly penniless

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Henry Wells and William Fargo

Decided to profit from Gold Rush by providing services to miners

Created Wells, Fargo & Co. for banking, mail, and stage coach services

Generated tremendous wealth as entrepreneurs

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Levi Strauss

Ran a successful dry-goods store

Patented canvas pants with riveted pockets

Now called Levis

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Mark Twain

Born Samuel Clemens

Headed West for the Gold Rush

Became a famous writer of his experiences

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Sam Brannan

Bought all mining tools in area

Announced gold was found

Made a fortune selling tools, then other necessities, to miners

Became a millionaire

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Lotta Crabtree

Began acting on stages at age 6

Made lots of money entertaining miners

Later traveled the world

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Nellie Chapman

Married a dentist and studied dentistry from him

Later practiced as a dentist with her own patients

She also wrote and composed: a talented lady!

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Slide 11

Eliza Farnham

As a young widow, she was matron of Sing Sing prison

Believed women would “civilize” the miners