African Americans participated actively in mining, often working alongside Chinese, Portuguese and other miners. Some enslaved men were promised freedom after producing a certain amount of gold, though these promises were frequently broken, prompting escapes and independent livelihoods.

These free African Americans also became entrepreneurs, establishing businesses, restaurants and services that supported mining communities.

Notable individuals, such as Stephen Spencer Hill, purchased their freedom and acquired land, combining farming with mining to build wealth.

During the Gold Rush 1848 – 1855 over 2,000 African Americans migrated to California, with the majority being free men and women seeking better lives, while approximately 200-300 were enslaved and brought by their owners to work in the mines.

Scale: 1/30
Material: Pewter alloy and synthetic fibers
Released Date: April 2026