Six Months in the Gold Mines

’A classic in gold rush literature.’California History

In this informative first-hand historical narrative, Gould Buffum delves into the world of gold-mining in 19th century California.

As he journeys to the golden regions, he provides a personal account of all aspects of mining for the precious metal. From fitfully sleeping through extreme weather conditions, basking in the natural beauty of the flowers and streams in California’s plains, bonding with Indian locals, being chased by an enormous grizzly bear, watching criminals publically lashed and hanged or struggling to find provisions beyond mouldy bread and meat and suffering disease and injury, Buffum’s journey is a memorable one.

His first-hand depictions of the joy, pleasure and pride in excavating hugely valuable amounts of gold in comparison to the disappointment and frustration in finding close to nothing render his narrative personal in every sense.

Alongside this vivid and personal portrait, Buffum offers thought-provoking commentaries on the technicalities of gold-mining, its immense impact on Californian economy, politics and population, as well as potential theories on how these gold regions came to exist.

This combination of personal portrayals and informative discussions paints a vivid, educational and captivating historical narrative that brings this fascinating portion of American history alive.

Edward Gould Buffum (1820–1867) fought in the Mexican–American War which began in 1846. After his discharge from the army in 1848, he decided to remain in California and try his hand at panning gold. These specific experiences were recorded in his book Six Months in the Gold Mine, published in 1850.

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