When was gold discovered in California?

California Gold Rush

Gold was discovered on January 24, 1848, by James Marshall, an employee at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. This and subsequent finds triggered the Gold Rush from 1848 to 1855.

Previously, gold was found in Southern California at Placerita Canyon in 1842, near the historic "Oak of the Golden Dream." (California was part of Mexico until February 2, 1848.)