The Journey to California in 1849

In 1849 tens of thousands began streaming across the United States with dreams of striking it rich. Many would be prospectors found themselves unprepared for the dangers of the journey west. Any route they chose to California involved traveling thousands of miles they risked disease starvation and the threat of violence along the way. Even when they did reach the gold mines their dreams of riches rarely came true. But a lucky few found themselves with more money than they could hope to earn in a lifetime Between their sudden wealth and the mass migration west the gold rush reshaped America creating a more powerful nation with growing cities on both coasts. This is episode two of The 40 Niners, which airs tonight at 9pm ET/PT