Final answer:
The towns in which populations quickly grew because of the gold rush were called boomtowns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true.
Towns that experienced rapid population growth due to the gold rush were indeed called boomtowns. These boomtowns emerged as settlers flocked to areas where gold and other precious metals were discovered, resulting in a sudden increase in population. Examples include San Francisco during the California Gold Rush and Virginia City following the discovery of the Comstock Lode.
Reference: Mining, Manufacturing, and Diversity in the West