Why did the miners move west? 2 reasons
Where was the Gold?
Where was the money in mining?
Miners moved west in the mid 1800s to try to find gold and silver, primarily in Nevada and California.
Two of my ancestors went to the California Gold Rush and found enough gold to come back to the midwest and buy farms.
Bobpursley's second question is a really good one. Among all the folks who went off to the gold fields, who else besides miners made money?
thankyou
california! and all of the gold.
The miners moved west during the 19th century for two main reasons:
1. Gold Rush: The first major reason for miners moving west was the discovery of gold. The California Gold Rush, which started in 1848, attracted thousands of people to the western part of the United States. News spread quickly about the abundance of gold in California, and people from all over the country (and even from other parts of the world) flocked to the area in search of wealth and opportunities. The lure of striking it rich by mining for gold was a powerful motivation for miners to move westward.
2. Expansion and Manifest Destiny: The second reason for miners moving west was the broader concept of expansion and manifest destiny. During the 19th century, there was a widely held belief among Americans that it was their destiny to expand westward and settle the entire continent. This idea, known as manifest destiny, fueled a sense of adventure and opportunity in the minds of people seeking a new start. The allure of exploring uncharted territories and potentially gaining new land and resources was a significant driving force behind the westward movement of miners and other settlers.
To find more detailed information about the reasons why miners moved west, you can refer to historical resources, such as books, articles, or websites, that focus on the California Gold Rush and the broader concept of manifest destiny. These sources will provide in-depth insights into the historical context and factors that influenced the decision of many miners to head west during that time period.