Prosperity may be an integral part of the American dream, but historian Will Bagley says that wasn't always the case. In the mid-19th century, gold was discovered in California and the radically new idea of quick riches lured some quarter of a million people across the continent. But for Bagley, it wasn't an epic march of progress and civilization. He says the sudden transformation of the American West was complex and contentious. Thursday, he joins Doug to talk about the enduring impact of California fever.
- Thursday, October 17 at 5:30, Will Bagley will give the "History Speaks" lecture at the Park City Museum. Visit their website or call 435-649-7457 for details.
- Bagley is also featured in the Discovery Channel series "Gold Fever." Episodes 3 and 4 air Friday night, October 18th. For more information, click here
- Will Bagley's latest book is called With Golden Visions Bright Before Them, Trails to the Mining West 1849-1852 [Amazon|Indiebound]