Final answer:
The forty-niners were people from all over the world who migrated to California in the quest for gold in 1849. They came by sea, traveling around South America or via the Isthmus of Panama, and by land, crossing the continent in various ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The forty-niners were a diverse group of people from around the world who migrated to California in 1849 after gold was discovered at John Sutter's sawmill in January 1848. Settlers from nearby regions such as Oregon and Utah were some of the first to make their way overland to the American River. However, many Easterners chose maritime routes, either by sailing around the southern tip of South America or traveling to Panama, crossing the Isthmus of Panama, and then booking passage on a ship to San Francisco. As California-bound vessels made stops in South American ports, individuals from places like Peru and Chile joined the throng heading to California. Easterners who could not afford the sea voyage often traveled across the continent on foot, horseback, or in wagons. Moreover, the migration included people coming from Hawaii, Europe, and China, contributing to a diverse population in California's booming towns.