How a tiny fleck of gold changed American history

NPR | By Clare Lombardo

Published July 7, 2026 at 4:42 AM EDT

The Gold Rush lured hundreds of thousands of people to California and changed American history. It all started with a tiny gold flake.

Related Content

Heirs of 'odious' 167-year-old Supreme Court ruling see modern parallels

Carrie Johnson

Descendants of Dred Scott and Chief Justice Roger Taney spoke about reconciliation at a church in the shadow of the Supreme Court last week as the high court wrestled with race and who can be an American.
As climate change damages streets and highways, the road ahead may be expensive

Scott Neuman

Heat waves are becoming more common and intense as a result of climate change — and roads are suffering as a result. Are the nation's roads up to meeting the challenge of a warmer, wetter future?
Commemorative passports featuring Trump draw both delight and ire

Michele Kelemen

President Trump's image on a limited-edition U.S. passport is drawing long lines from supporters -- and sharp criticism from detractors.
Trump administration accuses Smithsonian museum of 'extreme political activism'

Steve Inskeep

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with American Historical Association's Sarah Weicksel about the Trump administration's report accusing a Smithsonian museum of "extreme political activism."
The U.S. men's run at the World Cup ends with a 4-1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium

Becky Sullivan

The team was in the eye of a storm over a controversial phone call from President Trump to FIFA's head about a red card on a U.S. striker. But even with the U.S. at full strength, Belgium easily won.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.