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Monday, 23rd June 2008 (3276 views)

California is seeing a rush of prospectors looking for gold, the Independent reports.

Known as the "new 49ers" in reference to the 49ers who comprised the California Gold Rush of 1848-55, the latest hunters are the most recent to experience what veterans call "gold fever".

Record gold prices and the hopes of would-be entrepreneurs are cited among the reasons for the latest rush.

Jamestown prospector Brent Shock told the paper that he estimated there were 30 per cent more in the region than last year, adding: "Gold has been driving man crazy for 8,000 years and this rush will be no exception."

Mike Dunn, who found a "halo of gold" on the south fork of the Feather river, told the paper: "I've just about paid for my trip already."

Ekhard Davisky said it is a time of "happy days" for competent gold hunters.

The original California Gold Rush caused 300,000 to flock to California.

Its effects included the growth of San Francisco from a small hamlet to a boomtown with roads, churches and schools being built.

 

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