The historical impact of the discovery of gold in California in 1849, known as the California Gold Rush, was monumental. It sparked a massive influx of settlers looking for fortune, leading to California's rapid population growth and eventual statehood in 1850. The Gold Rush not only transformed the economy of California but also accelerated the westward expansion of the United States, fueling the idea of Manifest Destiny. It recognized the potential for significant economic opportunity, leading to increased infrastructure development, the establishment of new towns, and the displacement of Native American populations, altering the social fabric of the region.