Fifty-Niner facts for kids
A "Fifty-Niner" was the name given to gold seekers who rushed to the Pike's Peak Country in 1859. This area was then part of western Kansas Territory and southwestern Nebraska Territory. These adventurers were looking for gold.
The big rush started in July 1858. A group of miners, led by William Greeneberry "Green" Russell, found gold. They discovered it in placer deposits along the South Platte River. This river is at the base of the Rocky Mountains in what was then northwestern Kansas Territory. This discovery kicked off the famous Pike's Peak Gold Rush.
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What Was the Pike's Peak Gold Rush?
The Pike's Peak Gold Rush was a period when many people moved west to find gold. It happened in the late 1850s. The promise of gold drew thousands of people to the Rocky Mountains. They hoped to strike it rich.
Why Did People Go West?
People went west for many reasons. The main one was the chance to find gold. Many hoped to become wealthy quickly. They left their homes and traveled long distances. They faced many dangers on their journey.
How Did Fifty-Niners Travel?
Many Fifty-Niners traveled west on difficult routes. They often faced harsh conditions. There were three main paths they took to reach the gold fields.
The Smoky Hill Trail
One popular route was the "Smoky Hill Trail." This path went west through Kansas Territory. It followed the Kansas River valley. The last big town along this trail was Manhattan, Kansas. This town was hundreds of miles from the mountains.
After Manhattan, the Fifty-Niners had to cross the wide, unmarked plains. They often got lost. Sometimes, they met Plains Indians. We do not know how many miners died on their way to Pikes Peak.
The Platte River Route
The northern route followed the Platte River. This path went through Nebraska. It was part of the well-known Oregon Trail. Then, it turned south along the South Platte River. This led directly to the gold region.
The Santa Fe Trail Route
The southern route followed the Santa Fe Trail. This path went along the Arkansas River. It led to the area near where Pueblo, Colorado is today. From there, travelers went north up Fountain Creek to the gold fields.
Who Were Some Famous Fifty-Niners?
Some people who became famous later were also Fifty-Niners. They joined the rush for gold.
- Buffalo Bill Cody: He was a famous scout and showman. He was one of the many who sought gold during this time.
- Horace A. W. Tabor: He later became a millionaire miner. However, he did not find his fortune during the gold rush. His wealth came from the later "Colorado Silver Boom."
The Slogan: "Pike's Peak or Bust!"
Interestingly, no gold was found near Pikes Peak itself until after the gold rush. But Pikes Peak was a very important landmark. It was the first big mountain that travelers could see when crossing the High Plains.
Because it was so visible, it became a symbol of the gold rush. This led to the famous slogan, "Pike's Peak or Bust!" This phrase meant that people would either find gold and succeed, or they would fail trying.
