January 24

Events - Economy & Industry

1848day.year

California Gold Rush: James W. Marshall finds gold at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento.

James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in California in 1848, igniting a massive gold rush that transformed the American West.
On January 24, 1848, carpenter James W. Marshall uncovered flakes of gold in the American River at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento. News of the discovery spread rapidly, drawing hundreds of prospectors known as 'forty-niners' to California. The Gold Rush triggered a massive migration from around the globe, swelling the state's population and accelerating its path to statehood. Boomtowns sprang up overnight, and vast fortunes were made and lost. The influx of settlers brought significant economic growth but also conflict with Indigenous peoples. The Gold Rush reshaped trade, transportation, and the cultural fabric of the American West. Its legacy endures in California's diverse population and booming economy.
1848 California Gold Rush James W. Marshall gold Sutter's Mill Sacramento
1935day.year

Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company starts selling the first canned beer.

In 1935, the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company began selling the first commercially canned beer, pioneering a new era in beverage packaging.
On January 24, 1935, the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company became the first brewery to sell beer in cans. This innovation introduced a new level of convenience and portability to beer consumption. Canned beer simplified storage and transportation compared to traditional kegs and bottles. The packaging allowed for wider distribution and boosted the company's market reach. This milestone paved the way for the modern beer can industry and changed consumer expectations worldwide.
1935 Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company