How did mining in the American West make people rich?
The natural resources mined in the American West created an astonishing amount of wealth. Gold, silver, copper, coal and oil are just a few of the materials whose mining lead to an expanded nation and national treasury. While few made a fortune using their bare hands, the value of these natural resources created jobs and the infrastructure that allowed America to grow.GoldThe California Gold Rush was one of the most exciting times in American history. All levels of society came down with gold fever and headed west in search of fortunes. About $10 billion worth of gold came out of California from 1848 to 1859. Businesses were developed to serve the miners and their needs; one was the founder of Levi jeans.SilverWhile gold captured the imagination of millions, in many ways the silver mines that were very labor intensive provided a more stable employment base for many regions in the American West.CopperEven less glamorous than silver, copper is an important material mined in the American
