Today we went to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, in Sacramento, to learn about the gold rush and how it started. It was really interesting. We went into the visitor’s center and looked at all the stuff that they had there. They had different walls that explained who was there, what they did, and how it all started. There were a lot of displays that were fascinating.

After that, we walked to the blacksmith’s shop. He told us about some of the tools that they have to make things out of iron. Most of the things that were made and on display are the thing that they used for digging for gold and breaking rocks and stuff. Then he showed us how they make what is called an “s” hook. He had to keep heating up the iron so that he can bend it. It was really interesting.

After that, we went to the saw mill. That mill is what started the whole gold rush. James Marshall was just grinding stuff and using water to power the mill and that is when he found the gold, then everyone came to California. The quote that James said when he discovered gold is “Boys I believe I have found a gold mine”. People came from all over to look for gold, when James and Sutter died in poverty because there were so many people there for the gold. That is how California came to be a state.

After that we went to put our feet in the American River. It felt so good and we just put our feet in and skipped rocks. Mike was throwing rocks across the river and they were landing on the other side. We were all like wow. Mike threw a rock and there was a bird on the other side of the river and the rock hit the bird, we all started laughing so hard! It was funny.

Then we went to dig for “gold”. There was this guy who showed us what to do then he let us have a try with it. Whatever we found we got to keep. So we went digging for gold. I found a lot of pieces and it was really fun. Kangni kept trying to steal Mike’s gold, it was funny. You all know Mike. Heeheehee.

That was the end of the day pretty much. We looked around a little but more then headed back to CSD. It was a two hour drive but we kept each other busy and talking. I was reading but every once in a while I will talk with Megan, Darren, and Mike. It was fun. Well that was today’s adventure, until tomorrow. Ciao!