An 1849 handbill from the California Gold Rush. PD ... Many men went to work for the larger mining companies that invested in technology and equipment to reach the gold that lay below the surface.

“And the shovel makers and the ones that sell us the equipment are ... wealth during the gold rush by opening up shops and mining for gold. Even though California was deemed a free state ...

Few experiences make gold mining ... a Gold Rush-inspired trip to remember, grab the kids, hit the road and head to these glimmering spots, found everywhere from Coloma to Shasta, California.

But that's only one part of the sta gold rush story ... carrying knives while wielding mining tools. About 300,000 heavily-armed settlers descended to California to hunt for gold.

An 1849 handbill from the California Gold Rush. PD ... Many men went to work for the larger mining companies that invested in technology and equipment to reach the gold that lay below the surface.