Which California landmark is a symbol of the state's Gold Rush history?

Sutter's Mill is a significant landmark in California's history, particularly symbolizing the Gold Rush era. Located in Coloma, it was the site where gold was first discovered in 1848 by James W. Marshall while working for John Sutter. This discovery set off the California Gold Rush, which profoundly transformed the state's demographics, economy, and culture. The rush attracted hundreds of thousands of people hoping to strike it rich, leading to rapid population growth and the eventual statehood of California in 1850. Sutter's Mill represents both the initial spark of the Gold Rush and the broader themes of opportunity and migration that characterized the period, making it an enduring symbol of this pivotal time in California history.