The impact of the Gold Rush on California's population and economy was profound and transformative. Beginning in 1848, the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill attracted hundreds of thousands of prospectors, known as "forty-niners," seeking fortune. This influx of people led to rapid population growth, with many towns springing up almost overnight. The demand for goods and services stimulated economic development, resulting in the establishment of businesses, farms, and infrastructure. However, the Gold Rush also had negative consequences, including conflicts with Indigenous peoples, environmental degradation, and social upheaval. Ultimately, it played a significant role in California's admission as a state in 1850.