Before finding gold in the sand, James W. Marshall, the man who famously discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in California, was a carpenter and sawmill operator. Marshall had moved to California from New York in 1848, seeking work during the gold rush. His initial job was as a sawmill operator, which provided him with the opportunity to work closely with the riverbed where he later discovered gold. The discovery of gold in the sand at Sutter's Mill marked the beginning of the California Gold Rush, a period of intense migration and economic activity that had profound impacts on the United States.

The reason Marshall was a carpenter and sawmill operator before finding gold is rooted in the historical context of the time. The gold rush was a direct response to the discovery of gold in the American River at Sutter's Fort. The news of the discovery spread rapidly, attracting thousands of people from across the United States and around the world to California in the hope of striking it rich. Many of these individuals, including Marshall, were skilled laborers who saw the potential for wealth in the mining industry.

Data from the California State Library indicates that the gold rush had a significant impact on the state's population. In 1848, California's population was approximately 15,000. By 1850, it had skyrocketed to over 380,000, a 24,000% increase. This rapid influx of people led to the establishment of towns and cities, the development of infrastructure, and a surge in economic activity. Marshall's discovery of gold in the sand was a catalyst for this transformation.

Furthermore, the gold rush had broader implications for the United States. It led to the expansion of the country's territory, as California was admitted to the Union as the 31st state in 1850. The rush also highlighted the importance of water rights and land claims, issues that would continue to shape American law and policy. Additionally, the gold rush contributed to the development of a more diverse and multicultural society in California, as people from various backgrounds and cultures flocked to the state in search of fortune.

In conclusion, James W. Marshall's background as a carpenter and sawmill operator provided him with the skills and opportunities necessary to discover gold in the sand at Sutter's Mill. This discovery sparked the California Gold Rush, which had profound and lasting impacts on the United States, both economically and culturally.