The California Gold Rush: The discovery of gold sparked a frenzied rush to California, with prospectors coming from all over the United States, as well as from Europe, South America, and Asia.
Did you know the US occupied Mexico for about 8 months in the 1840s? President Polk was for conquering all of Mexico, but after a vote with congress, the US signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo fearing more blood shed and a long battle.
The Wild West was full of colorful characters, but few were as notorious as Tiburcio Vasquez. Born in California in 1835, Vasquez was a notorious bandit and outlaw who terrorized the state for over 20 years. His daring exploits and notorious reputation made him one of the most wanted men in California's history.