Fifty years before prospectors from all over the world descended upon California, a 17-pound gold nugget was unearthed in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, starting America’s first gold rush. The U.S. Mint issued coins for 30 years using N.C. gold.

Indeed, he trekked west during the Gold Rush. But he was a terrible prospector! Luckily, he met a few writers who steered him to an alternate gold mine—writing.

While thousands headed west in covered wagons, many early prospectors arrived by sea, abandoning their ships. As the new city boomed, lumber was in short supply, so they used the discarded ships to build hotels, homes, banks, and more.

Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, for which it was named.

Their newfound riches meant they could splurge on a lavish meal. The Hangtown Fry consisted of eggs cooked in bacon fat and topped with fried oysters. It was the most expensive item on menus and is still served at some San Francisco restaurants.

By 1849 word was out that one could strike it rich out west. Hence, prospectors became known as “49ers.”

Some prospectors certainly did become wealthy, but more likely the merchants, suppliers, hoteliers, and other businesspeople were the ones who became rich. One familiar name stands out: Levi Strauss. Bavarian tailor, Strauss, headed west to produce tents, but shifted to making jeans, sturdy and comfortable enough for hard-working prospectors. He struck fashion gold.

Many people continue to prospect for gold in California, but they must do it the old-fashioned way—with shovels and pans. While most are lucky to go home with a few flakes if anything, in 2016 a man hauled in a nugget worth $70,000 at the time.