How was gold symbolic to the development of the American West?

Answer 1

Gold was symbolic because it is gold. Its relationship to the development of the American West is invaluable. Because of the 1848-9 Gold Rush in California the territory achieved statehood almost instantaneously. Decades before Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and so on. Had not so many people made there way West at that time it may not have been until the 1900's or later that California would join the Union.

Answer 2

Sutter's Mill and the goldrush that brought everyone to California