What was the public order during the gold rush?

Answer 1

During the gold rush, public order was often characterized by lawlessness and a lack of formal governance, as the influx of fortune-seekers created chaotic conditions in mining camps and towns. Vigilante groups frequently emerged to enforce their own brand of justice, addressing crime and disputes in the absence of established legal systems. This environment led to both cooperation among miners and intense rivalries, contributing to a volatile atmosphere where violence and conflict were common. Overall, the rapid growth of population and economic opportunity strained existing social structures, leading to a unique but often tumultuous public order.