Routes West
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Gold Fever

Hundreds of thousands of Americans were struck with "the fever" when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California in 1848. The gold discovery stimulated another huge wave of migration west. While some Americans chose to sail to California on the famous Clipper Ships, the vast majority of gold seekers journeyed overland from the Missouri River feeder towns such as Independence, St. Joseph, and Kanesville (present-day Council Bluffs). Through Nebraska, most travelers followed the established Oregon Trail, which became known as the California or "Forty-Niner" Trail.

Some travelers from the south entered Nebraska near present-day Alexandria and followed he Big Sandy Valley where water, wood, and grass were available. After crossing the Big Sandy near Belvidere, the trail proceeded in a southwesterly direction to the banks of the Little Blue. After the establishment of Thompson's Station a few miles south of Belvidere the trail followed the Eighteen-Mile Ridge across Thayer County.

Despite hardships, it is estimated that over 40,000 gold-seekers migrated to California in 1849 and over 65,000 in 1850. One emigrant wrote in 1850:

"I had intended to notice in my journal every grave and burying place that we passed, but I have abandoned this part of my plan ... Graves are so numerous, that to notice them all would make my narrative tedious."

The trip to California was long and arduous, with disease, heat, lack of water, and the threat of Indian attacks the constant dangers. But the call to adventure, possible riches, and a new start in life encouraged the hardy pioneers in make the journey.