Women And The Gold Rush
After the birth of Californian gold rush in’47, a larger percentage of male were among the immigrants who moved from their country to another as compared to females who had a very small percentage. However, after around ten years, the percentage of females got much higher than before, and they too were influenced to migrate for gold.
The perception about women in those days was that either they were good, and virtuous, or they were not good, and had bad character. Since men out numbered women, it was a rare sight to see a woman staying single for a long period, even if she was widowed. Proposals would literally break down the door for a single female.
Since, there were very few females in those times; they were highly valued, and respected by men. People would get surprised to see females on steamboats, and this would act was used to attract customers in advertisements.
It was a matter of utmost importance that they find the right match, and get married. Though it was rare to find a woman in the minefields working side by side with the men, it was not unheard of. Men were gracious, and minded their manners when being around a female even in that crude surrounding.
Slowly and gradually, women started sailing towards San Francisco, from Europe in search of jobs. A beauty salon would hire either them, or a gambling house where they were responsible for sitting with gamblers, and give them drinks. Good salaries were given to them along with protection from employers who most of the times would also become their husbands. This influenced more females to travel to California, and start a life there.
Women were no exception to the gold rush fever, and one out of every ten miners was a female. Many of these women came without male relatives, and they travelled on their own. Some of them signed up for tasks like cleaning, looking after, and cooking for the group they were travelling with, and in return, they were helped with their belongings and provisions across the passes.
Though they were not harassed, or plotted against, still some women found more comfortable with hiding their identities, and work as male miners. They made better wages, and often times would end up getting the jobs, which were reserved only for men. Since women are thought to be the gentler, or the fairer sex, often times certain hard labours were only kept for the male members of the working class. Many women stated that they preferred living the life of a man.
Many females also initiated lodging and boarding places in several mining areas, to provide cosy accommodation, and food services for the miners. Even this would be tough, since it led to cold hands, and feet.
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