Gold Fever: Untold Stories of California’s Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush marked the beginning of life on the West Coast as we know it today. Although the Orange County area played no direct role—the precious mineral was found miles away in the Sierra Nevada—the Gold Rush led to California statehood and set the stage for the whole state’s development. In national terms, the impact on all aspects of American political, social, and economic life cannot be overestimated. Gold Fever: Untold Stories of the California Gold Rush starts with California before the discovery of gold in 1848 and traces the frenzied dash over land and sea to the gold fields in 1849. The exhibition includes 24 panels with photo-murals, video tapes of Gold Rush history, and an educational suitcase with hands-on artifacts. Also featured will be historical California artifacts from the 18th and 19th Centuries, including gold mining equipment.