Question

In the mid-1800s, why did hundreds of thousands of people flock to California?

Answer 1

In January of 1848, the Gold Rush began in California causing thousands of people to migrate west. 

Answer 2

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to California in the middle of the 1800s because gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill. This was the beginning of the California Gold Rush. This mass exodus to California resulted in a huge increase in population in California, ultimately allowing it to apply for statehood in 1850. The Gold Rush was one of the many factors surrounding America's desire to expand westward during this era.