what was california liek before the gold rush?

Answer 1

Very few Europeans, a few Spanish from the migration up the Mission Trail, but primarily still Native Americans living off the land. The 1849 gold rush bust the entire situation apart and Euros took over, killing off most of the native peoples.

Answer 2

Back then they had golden bears on the land, not just on the flag. There were native people. There was no irrigation to the central valleys so they were dry. It had more Spanish Catholic influence and Russian trade routes.