Historical Marker
Hernando De Alarcon Expedition - 1540
Historical marker location:
Winterhaven, California
( Marker is on Interstate 186, ΒΌ mile south of U.S. 8, on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1982
The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought a huge influx of people to the state. In just two years, the population of San Francisco grew from 1,000 to 25,000. However, only a small percentage of gold-seekers actually struck it rich, and many ended up in debt or poverty.