The California Gold rush was a very interesting time period. Throughout the whole process many things improved and many things happened. For example transportation and mining improved and also immigration started. Many people came from all over on trains, wagons and many different ways of transportation. But this whole thing wouldn't have been possible without the founder. James W. Marshall. This man founded gold on January 24. And from that point on he went on to become a legend and people held him high and respected him because without him some people wouldn't have became rich and be put in a better position to succeed.