At Fort Union, when gold was discovered:
a. Many more travelers depended on the fort: With the gold discovery, there was an influx of people traveling through the area in search of riches. This led to an increase in the number of travelers relying on Fort Union for supplies, shelter, and protection along their journey.
b. Soldiers deserted to become prospectors: Some soldiers stationed at Fort Union left their posts to join the gold rush as prospectors. The allure of striking it rich by mining for gold drew many individuals away from their military duties, impacting the operations and manpower at the fort.
c. The fort did not become a hotel for miners: Unlike some other settlements or outposts during the gold rush, Fort Union did not transition into a hotel specifically catering to miners. Its primary role remained focused on providing support for travelers and maintaining security in the region.
d. The fort's location impacted life: Depending on its proximity to gold discovery sites and major routes, the impact on Fort Union could vary. If the fort was not strategically located along the path to California where gold was being discovered, the changes in life at the fort might have been less pronounced compared to forts situated closer to the goldfields.
In summary, the discovery of gold near Fort Union brought about changes such as increased traveler traffic, soldiers leaving to seek gold, but the fort itself did not transform into a miner-focused hotel. The fort's location relative to the gold rush sites influenced the extent of changes experienced at Fort Union.
