Post written and copyrighted by Doris McCraw 2013
In 1848 gold was found in California. Although there had been some placer gold found in the southeast, this was a game changer. When word arrived back east of the Mississippi the rush was on. Unfortunately many of the thousands who sailed around the southern tip of South America, crossed at Panama or traveled across country in wagons and carts failed to find enduring riches.
Then in 1859 another rush was on. There was gold found in Colorado and many who had missed the first rush headed west across the Great American Desert . From 1859 on gold was found in most of the Western states, the Dakotas, Nevada, Montana, etc. The last rush was in the 1890’s in the Cripple Creek region of Colorado and Alaska. Many people followed one rush after another, most to no avail.
In looking at the pattern, so many rushed over true wealth. In California some of the pristine areas were forever blighted. The Great American Desert was in reality part of the breadbasket of the nation. Forest, mountains, rivers all were all sacrificed to the need for quick wealth.
The quick wealth was another matter altogether. Some miners found gold nuggets just lying around, but most of the prospectors and miners worked hard, long hours and barely broke even. In the long run it was those who supplied the gold seekers, or processed the gold ore that won the prize.
Perhaps you are wondering why the history lesson. For me it is the lessons learned that make it worthwhile. Many times we search for the quick answer and the bonanza strike of gold in our lives and work. We dream of bestselling books, an easier life and more money. Those dreams can definitely come true. The thing we need to watch for; not rushing by and missing the true gold. Friends, family, home are the true gold. In our rush to find gold, savor the journey and those we share it with. In the end, they will be the ones who help us find our own gold.
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Wonderful post, Doris! Great analogy connecting history with today as well as a wonderful history lesson. I’ve always loved western history, the 1800s time period, and SO ADMIRE the pioneers and the Native Americans. Endurance was and still is necessary, however, tripping over ourselves and our loved ones in search of that “big break” is a sad tale, one too often told. So enjoyed today’s post!
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Thank you so much Gayle. I love history, as I am sure most of my posts show. Like you say, the lessons they had were not necessarily learned by them or us. Doris
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Good food for thought. I see “chasing the almighty dollar” in so many aspects of our culture and while instant riches aren’t always sought, even the slow growing ones can cause problems in how we go about achieving those riches. But I love history so never mind those kinds of posts. Loved the picture of Denver. Noticed how there was a right and wrong side of the road (like railroad tracks) for each group even back then apparently. I also agree that the suppliers had the right idea in joining the gold rush. Thanks for the interesting post.
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Thank you Neva. If it makes people think, I believe I did what I set out to do. Glad you like history also. Doris
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Loved the post Doris. I’m a history lover because I enjoy seeing how the world evolves. I’m sure the Gold Rush days were exciting, probably like the ka-ching of a room full of slot machines in a casino. So sad the landscape and our precious land had to be slashed to bits by those looking for their fortune. If I’m correct, I believe there were only a few who found enough gold to make them rich anyway. But I’m sure the cry was heard around the world and people flocked to areas where they might get rich quick. Thank you for a very interesting post!
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You are welcome Linda. Even today the devastation continues. At least here in Colorado they are required to reclaim it to a close to how it was prior to the digging for the gold. It is a fascinating story. Doris
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I love the history in your posts, Doris. but I probably love your last sentiments equally as much. That which is worth chasing is definitely your family and friends’ happiness.
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Thank you Nancy. I appreciate your letting me know you enjoy these ‘lessons’ (grin). I agree, our family and friends are the true gold. Doris
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I love the history too and I know some people who have dug for gold and found some, but not enough to get rich. I have panned for emeralds and found a couple of little ones, plus some odd stones. Next time we go, I want to dig for emeralds. You can’t really tell what they are unless you know what you’re looking for. Cher’ley
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Cher’ley, that sounds like fun. One of the men in the improv writing group I attend is on the show “Prospectors” on the weather channel. You should hear him talk about hunting gemstones. Doris
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