On this day in 1848 The Californian newspaper of San Francisco broke the news of gold discovery.

Gold Mine Found. –In the newly made raceway of the Saw Mill recently erected by Captain Sutter, on the American Fork, gold has been found in considerable quantities. One person brought thirty dollars worth to New Helvetia, gathered there in a short time. California, no doubt, is rich in mineral wealth; great chance here for scientific capitalists. Gold has been found in almost every part of the country.

It’s true that gold had been found elsewhere in California — a gold mine in the San Fernando Hills had been producing gold for several years — but in such small quantities that no one thought it was worthwhile to pursue it.

But this news of gold in the American River touched off the California Gold Rush, a massive movement of men (and a few women) from all over the world. California would never be the same again.