Why did thousands of prospectors move to the West in the late 1800s
A oil
B Free land
C Gold silver mining
D Diamond mining
C Gold silver mining
Thousands of prospectors moved to the West in the late 1800s in search of gold and silver. The discovery of these precious metals in states like California, Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona spurred a gold rush as people sought to strike it rich. The promise of wealth and opportunity drew many to the West, leading to the rapid growth and development of these regions.