"In 1848, thousands of people from all over the world dropped their mundane lives and embarked on sometimes deadly journeys with hopes of striking gold in the American West. This book chronicles this fascinating period of American history through an intriguing mix of fictional ""found"" ephemera. This content was created through meticulous research and adherence to facts, to provide a very personal yet realistic look into the life and struggle of the forty-niners. Captivating black-and-white photography of the miners illustrates their powerful story. Maps of the Gold Rush main routes and destinations are included. This book is sure to engage even reluctant readers of American history.".