The Pioneers Pioneers were the first people to settle in the frontiers of North America. Although many of the pioneers were farmers, others were doctors, shopkeepers, blacksmiths, missionaries, lawyers and so on. They came from all over the United States to start their new lives. The majority of their ancestors came from European countries such as England, Germany, and Scotland. Before leaving their homes they either saved money for the trip, sold their land and other possessions or agreed to work for others on the trip. The Gold Rush James Marshall found gold while working for John Sutter at his ranch in northern California on January 24, 1848. He had been hired to build a mill for Sutter. This place would enter American lore as 'Sutter's Mill'. Word quickly spread through California, the rest of America and eventually the world and people flocked to California to make their fortune. In fact, according to some estimates, the population increased by 86,000 people in two years. Most of these treasure seekers left for California in 1849, hence our name for them: 49ers. Many of the 49ers themselves picked an appropriate name from Greek mythology: Argonauts. These Argonauts were in search of their own form of a golden fleece - wealth free for the taking. The trek was arduous for those who came over land. Many made their journey on foot or by wagon. It could sometimes take up to nine months to get to California. For the immigrants who came from across the ocean, San Francisco became the most popular port of call. In fact, San Francisco's population grew from about 800 in 1848 to over 50,000 in 1849. Once more slaveholders and slaves began coming to California during the Gold Rush, the question was asked: Should slavery be legal in California? Only about 200 or 300 slaves worked in the fields, but many others accompanied their families on mining trips, or were fugitives who hoped to start their life over. The topic became increasingly popular, and brought about plenty of discussion in the White House. After a six month long debate, it was decided under the Compromise of 1850 that California would be admitted into the Union on the terms of the states' delegates. After California became tired of waiting for the verdict, they decided that slavery would not be allowed. This was on the terms that it would bring an unfair advantage in the mines. Finally, it had been decided that California would be a free state.