Today in History - January 24, 1848 - First Gold Nugget Discovered at Sutter's Mill

First Gold Nugget Discovered at Sutter's Mill - January 24, 1848

   Today in History, in the year 1848, a man named James W. Marshall discovered a gold nugget at Sutter's Mill in northern California. This discovery led to the Gold Rush of '49 (California Gold Rush). Source: Tribune Newspapers

  "The discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley in early 1848 sparked the Gold Rush, arguably one of the most significant events to shape American history during the first half of the 19th century. As news spread of the discovery, thousands of prospective gold miners traveled by sea or over land to San Francisco and the surrounding area; by the end of 1849, the non-native population of the California territory was some 100,000 (compared with the pre-1848 figure of less than 1,000). A total of $2 billion worth of precious metal was extracted from the area during the Gold Rush, which peaked in 1852." History.com- Gold Rush of 1849

Today in History - January 7, 1789 - The First U.S. Presidential Election Takes Place

The First U.S. Presidential Election Takes Place - January 7, 1789

    This day, in the History of the United States, the first presidential election took place in 1789. The only people who were allowed to vote though, were white males who owned property. The voters cast their ballots for the first time, in order to choose state electors. The electors are the actual ones who vote for the president.
  We know who won the election, of course. It was George Washington. Did you know that George Washington was a direct descendant of Norman duke William? This article explains God's providential care for His people throughout History. Christmas, Vikings, and the Providence of God

Source: History.com-First US Presidential Election