Question

Which factor most encouraged settlement in California after 1849?

The Comstock Lode was discovered on Mt. Davidson. 
Gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 
The Great Salt Lake was a welcome refuge in the desert. 
Missionaries wanted support to build schools and churches.

Answer 1

It would be gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains because that was when the Gold Rush started.

Answer 2

The correct answer is Gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The California Gold Rush began after 1849 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill. After this, thousands of American citizens made the long trek across the country to California in hopes of finding gold. As it is today, gold is an extremely valuable resource that could potentially make individuals rich quickly. This expansion into California also resulted in the development and admittance of California as a US state in 1850.