During the California Gold Rush of the 1850s, some Americans in the eastern part of the United States reached California by sailing all the way around South America. False or True? explain your statement

I don't know it for a fact, having never heard or read it explicitly stated.

But I'm inclined to think that it must be true.

- - The lure of instant riches was powerful.

- - The trip by land was long, difficult, and expensive.

- - The transcontinental railway didn't exist yet.

- - Neither did highways, cars, or airplanes.