Final answer:
The discovery of gold and the mining boom in the 19th century had a significant impact on the settlement of the West, leading to the rapid growth of boom towns and the establishment of stable settlements. It attracted thousands of miners and ultimately resulted in the admission of new states to the Union.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discovery of gold and the subsequent mining boom had a significant impact on the settlement of the West in the 19th century. It attracted thousands of miners who were hoping to get rich quickly. The discovery of gold led to the rapid growth of boom towns, such as Virginia City in Nevada, and ghost towns, as mining operations dried up. The influx of settlers seeking fortune in mining also led to the desire for law and order, ultimately resulting in the establishment of stable settlements and the admission of new states to the Union.