"The first treasure California began to surrender after the Gold Rush as the oldest: her land"

John Jakes' quote implies that prior to the Gold Rush, California's many valuable asset was its land. The arrival of gold prospectors in the mid-19th century disrupted the state's economy, society, and environment. But even with the improvement caused by the influx of people and industry, California's land stays its most crucial resource. The land is where the foundations of the state's past, present, and future lie. The quote highlights the significance of California's land, which has sustained the state's development, adaptation, and development from the Gold Rush up to the present day.