Welcome Nugget - T.C. Williams Co. manufacturers Virginia USA

Datec 1870

Object number00000802

NameAdvertisement

MediumChromolithograph on paper

DimensionsOverall: 341 x 173 mm
Sheet: 341 x 173 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis lithograph advertising TC Williams tobacco, entitled 'Welcome Nugget', depicts a Californian miner holding a large gold nugget and exclaiming over its size. He is standing in front of a mining camp. One of Australia's largest gold nuggets called the 'Welcome' was found by Cornish miners in June 1859 in Ballarat, Victoria. It weighed 62.85 kilograms.HistoryThe coverage of the Gold rush in America and Australia during the 1850s and 1860s became a popular advertising topic in America, Australia and England with many people interested in seeking their fortune on the gold diggings. Tens of thousands of miners criss-crossed the Pacific Ocean between Australia and America. A $20 one-way ticket bought the traveller a bunk and space for one trunk, the trip between Sydney and San Francisco taking about six weeks. Living and working on the gold diggings was a harsh and dirty existence. The landscape was stripped of trees that were used for firewood, huts and building mine shafts. The extremes in weather conditions were a problem and sanitation was an issue for the large numbers of people living and working together. Washing for gold added to the pollution of the streams and rivers. Holes in the ground held both sewage and refuse. Infections and diseases spread readily under these conditions, including influenza and pneumonia which were common causes of death for miners of all ages and genders. Many children suffered from scarlet fever and diphtheria. If they did not die from the disease, they were often killed by the 'cures' - many of which were poisons. Only a small number of miners made a real fortune in the Californian Gold Rush. It was easier and more common to gain wealth by establishing businesses and trade related to the diggings. Many unsuccessful miners turning to razing cattle, fruit plots or stores selling over-priced goods, supplies and services.SignificanceThis advertisement offers an insight into the public interest and excitement in America and Australia that resulted from the gold rushes in both countries.