The Forty-Niners

About the book

JOHNSTONE’S AMERICA. THE GOLD STANDARD.

From the renowned historians of the Wild West comes the sweeping tale of the iconic American Gold Rush - and the daring visionaries who brought it to life... .

THEY WERE KNOWN AS THE FORTY-NINERS.

In the early days of 1848, the revelation of gold at Sutters Mill in California ignited a fervor that swept the nation, igniting the aspirations of Americans from sea to shining sea. Within a year, throngs of prospectors from near and far set out for the west in pursuit of their dreams. Armed with nothing but a pan or pickaxe, fueled by ambition or adventure, each and every one of them was resolute in their quest to strike it rich - or perish in the attempt... .

For Cord Bennett, it was more than just a dream. California was his calling - even if he had not yet realized it. Compelled to leave behind the family homestead in the Ozarks, he joined forces with his elder siblings on the perilous journey westward. Together, they braved inclement weather, savage assaults from native tribes, and marauding bandits. However, their greatest trial awaited them upon arriving at the gold-laden gorge of Rio Oro. This modest encampment, teeming with fortune-seekers, was governed by individuals as merciless as any metropolitan criminals. And twice as lethal...

This is the chronicle of those pioneers who put their lives on the line to seek their fortunes in a land of boundless promise. Yet, in the pursuit of wealth, appearances can be deceiving. And where there is gold, there is also gunplay... .