3 ms·Remember who really got rich in the gold rushes of the 1800s? Not the miners.by kabdib 10y agoRemember who really got rich in the gold rushes of the 1800s? Not the miners.bazqux2 10y agoSamuel Brannon established his tool monopoly by diverting church money and using thugs to keep out the competition. Once he made his money he lost it all in real estate speculation and a divorce.eonw 10y agoso the ex-wife made all the money from the gold rush? ;)