The Gold Rush (Life in the Old West)

Kalman, Bobbie

3.5

8 ratings by Goodreads

9780778700791: The Gold Rush (Life in the Old West)

ISBN 10: 0778700798 ISBN 13: 9780778700791

Publisher: Crabtree Pub Co, 1999

Bobbie Kalman, author of the acclaimed Historic Communities and Early Settler Life series, explores the action and adventure that made the West famous. In the latter part of the 19th century, more than half a million pioneers headed west to carve out a future on an unknown frontier. Some were drawn by the offer of cheap land and the promise of religious freedom while others had high hopes of finding gold. Thrilling, authentic photos and full-color illustrations recreate what life was really like for these cowboys, adventurers, and immigrants in this rough-and-ready era in our history. In search of large fortunes, thousands of prospectors braved arduous treks west and north by sea, and by wagon train to California and the Klondike region. The Gold Rush investigates one of the most thrilling and desperate times in North American history. Exciting text details: -- how a claim was staked -- how the gold was retrieved by panning, digging, or hydraulic mining -- the tools used to hit pay dirt -- how prospectors lived in often difficult conditions -- what role women and children played -- the problem of lawlessness and harsh justice -- the violation of the Native peoples' way of life

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Taken from Chapter 1: How Was Gold Found? Over thousands of years, water from rivers and streams eroded, or washed away, hard rock. Gradually, particles of gold in the rock were loosened and carried away with the moving water. This gold, found in rivers, streams, and other areas just below the ground's surface, was called placer gold. Much of the placer gold was found in the bends of rivers and streams, where the current of the water slowed, and the gold settled at the bottom.

Review:

This series shows the settlers' homes and way of life and the changes they represented to the native population. Good coverage of each topic will make these books useful for research -- Resource Links, Feb. 1999

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