If you lived in the eastern United States in 1849 and heard about the gold in California....?

I wouldnt bother. Its too hot and dry and whos to stop fighting over land or gold? Thats just my opinion though. Also, what about the industrial revolution that was happening right on the east coast? Rockefeller and standard oil. carnegie steel. I mean They had oil in WV and PA. Oil as good as gold IMO.

Since I am female and pretty much a home person, I would get upset at all the young men leaving. Unless I was married, I would not go. Panning gold in that era was mostly a man's occupation. However, some women who went ended up richer than the men by setting up boarding houses, restaurants, and brothels and taking their hard-earned gold.

Depends on my monetary situation. If I were jobless or underemployed, I probably would of sold all my stuff to buy a horse and gear, hitch on to a wagon-train and try my luck. Why not? A lot of people actually did get rich doing that.

I'd start a shop selling goods to people racing to get out there. I wouldn't go myself, but I could make a killing selling wagon parts and the like.

relies upon on your residing situations - in case you have been residing in poverty, and no desire of paintings ( as many have been) you'll be able to truly bypass to California, the place the propaganda replaced into somewhat useful.

Stay put. I prefer the East Coast.