Wild West

The new 'West' in 1850 means California, where gold had just been discovered. The lure of instant wealth attracts fortune-hunters by the tens of thousands.

San Francisco is the center of activity. The transcontinental railroad does not yet connect it to the existing frontier in Kansas and Nebraska, but soon will.
San Francisco, 1850

  San Francisco, 1850
Americans begin flooding into San Francisco with the Gold Rush of 1849. This photo is taken in the early days, before the hills become crowded with houses.

San Francisco, 1850s

  San Francisco
Before and after the Rush


Sacramento, 1850

  Sacramento
The heart of California's rich and rapidly developing farm region, surrounded by gold fields.


Southern California, 1850

  Southern California
Far from the gold fields, southern California is still sleeping


Western Territories, 1850

  Western Territories
Just stops along the way to California


Trails heading west, 1850

  Trails heading west
The Oregon Trail now has spurs leading down into California.