The discovery of gold in California, beginning with James Marshall's find at Sutter's Mill in 1848, had a monumental impact on California's history and the broader United States. It sparked the California Gold Rush, attracting hundreds of thousands of prospectors, entrepreneurs, and support services, leading to a massive population influx and rapid economic development. Towns quickly emerged, and the demand for infrastructure, including transportation and housing, surged. This period also accelerated California's admission to the Union in 1850. However, the Gold Rush had adverse effects, including the displacement of Native American communities and the environmental degradation resulting from mining activities.