On January 24, 1848, James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's sawmill in Coloma, California. Within two years, the gold rush transformed California into a populous state virtually overnight. As the population grew, California transitioned from military rule to establishing a civilian government. During the 20th century, California became an important center for the U.S. military, especially the Navy and aviation industries. California universities also contributed to technological advancements in fields like engineering, radio, and aviation that shaped the state's identity and economy.
2. 4. Striking it Rich Feb 2, 1848, all Mexican territories north of the Rio Grande were ceded to the United States. From the conquest of 1846 to the signing of the treaty, the U.S. administered California under international law as occupied enemy territory in time of war. California was experiencing difficulties in establishment of a civil society, as the population grew the military governors found themselves increasingly reluctant to administer civilians.
3. 4. Striking it Rich: Important Persons Charles Webber established the city of Tuleburg, later renamed Stockton in honor of the conqueror of California. William Leidesdorff built a warehouse and city hotel, the first such hostelry in San Francisco. John Augustus Sutter created Sutter’s Fort, inland of the Sacramento River. City is eventually named Sacramento James Wilson Marshal was commissioned to build a sawmill at Sutters Fort and eventually found gold that lead to the gold rush. William Leidesdorff John Augustus Sutter
4. 4. Striking it Rich: The Gold Rush On January 24, 1848, Marshall noticed some sparkling pebbles in the gravel bed. It was gold. Employee’s of Sutter began to abandon their jobs to look for gold fulltime. Within two years, the gold rush fast forwarded California into what historians describe as “a rapid, monstrous maturity.”
5. 9. War and Peace Seized as an act of war and governed by the military, California remained closely connected to the military. It contained an important Navy repair facility and minted the army’s pacific headquarters. As the United States became a global military power (especially at sea), the military importance of California increased.
