During the Gold Rush, gold mining was the primary industry in the Mojave Desert, attracting thousands of prospectors.

During the Gold Rush, the Mojave Desert saw a surge in gold mining, particularly in the mid-1800s. The discovery of gold in California and nearby regions led to an influx of prospectors heading through the Mojave Desert on their way to the gold fields. Mining camps and towns were established in the desert, with miners extracting gold and other minerals. Oil extraction, agriculture, and textile production were not as prominent in the Mojave Desert during this time, as the region was more focused on mineral resources like gold.