Bobbie Kalman, author of the acclaimed Historic Communities and Early Settler Life series, explores the action and adventure that made the West famous. In the latter part of the 19th century, more than half a million pioneers headed west to carve out a future on an unknown frontier. Some were drawn by the offer of cheap land and the promise of religious freedom while others had high hopes of finding gold. Thrilling, authentic photos and full-color illustrations recreate what life was really like for these cowboys, adventurers, and immigrants in this rough-and-ready era in our history.In search of large fortunes, thousands of prospectors braved arduous treks west and north by sea, and by wagon train to California and the Klondike region. The Gold Rush investigates one of the most thrilling and desperate times in North American history. Exciting text details: -- how a claim was staked-- how the gold was retrieved by panning, digging, or hydraulic mining-- the tools used to hit "pay dirt"-- how prospectors lived in often difficult conditions-- what role women and children played-- the problem of lawlessness and harsh justice-- the violation of the Native peoples' way of life