Now the name of a successful National Football League team, the 49ers were the miners that entered California in the year 1849. The 49ers were the most successful due to how early they migrated to California, and also went in very big numbers causing the birth of many mining towns within California. Most of the 49ers were part of the mining business, determined to make money quick. Some became merchants, and others opened hotels.  

California, along with the population boom, was able to achieve statehood on September 9th, 1850. The statehood of California was rushed but became very important as it was one of the first states on the Pacific Coast. This ultimately led to more people migrating here after the gold rush and reaped economic benefits for the recovering United States. The Native American population also declined due to a huge influx of miners settling in the area. 

The California gold rush ultimately led to California becoming the most populated state in the United States. It paved the way for economic recovery in the United States, allowing us to prosper today. There were many moves throughout the 20th century made on the adventures and dangers of the gold rush, and also many books written on life as a miner in the gold rush, showing how the Gold Rush extended and played a huge role in shaping American culture.