When James Marshall discovered gold in northern California in January of 1848, he could not have imagined what a storm he would unleash. As news of gold spread across the country and throughout the world, people spent their life savings, borrowed money, and left their families to seek a quick fortune in California. Between the beginning of 1848 and the end of 1849, the non-native population of California grew from about 800 to more than 100,000.
The miners lived in camps that sprung up wherever gold was suspected. Life in the camps was difficult, and the cost of living was high. Since most miners didn’t actually strike it rich, they were poor. They resided in small tents or simple wooden buildings, which offered little protection from rain and snow. Their diet was mostly beans and meat cooked over an open fire, with very few fruits and vegetables.
-Excerpted from "Life During the Gold Rush" by Krista Garver
Which evidence from the text supports the inference that many people who sought their fortune in the Gold Rush were not prepared for the harsh weather of northern California?
The miners lived in camps that sprung up wherever gold was suspected.
Between 1848 and the end of 1849, the non-native California population grew from 800 to more than 100,000.
Most people resided in small tents or simple wooden buildings with little protection from rain and snow.
When James Marshall discovered gold in northern California, he couldn't have imagined what a storm it would unleash.