There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills!

It was an expression used frequently in Northern California in the late 1840’s and 1850’s.  By the time it ended, California had gone from a thinly populated ex-Mexican territory, to having one of its first two U.S. Senators John C. Fremont becoming the first Republican Party candidate for President of the United States in 1856.

The effects of the Gold Rush were substantial.  Outside of California, the first to arrive were from Oregon, Hawaii, and Latin America.  Of the approximately 300,000 people who came to California during the Gold Rush, about half arrived by sea and half came overland.  The forty-niners often faced substantial hardships on the trip, but they felt it was worth it!

Today, the 49rs are mostly confined to the gridiron, but the effect that those original 49rs had on Northern California was forever impactful.  I am proud to be a part of this ever-growing valley.  My name is William (Bill) Chestnut.  For decades, I have been a criminal defense attorney out of San Jose.  To you and your family I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.