• Broke away from social constraints of the East.
• One wrote: “A smart woman can do very well in this country… It is the only country I ever was where a woman received anything like a just compensation for work.”
• Earned as much or even more than miners by baking, sewing, cleaning, ironing, washing, running hotels, and dealing cards or pouring drinks in gambling houses.
• Also worked in unconventional roles.
o Some worked as photographers, barbers, bullfighters and stagecoach drivers.
o Bought freedom with gold, and those already free used gold to free families, fight discrimination and start newspapers, schools and churches.
o Black miner at Cosummes diggings: “This is the best place for black folks on the globe. All a man has to do is work, and he will make money.”
o Another wrote: “There are no gentlemen here –labor rules capital. A darkey is just as good as a polished gentleman and can make more money.”
• Gave up servile jobs and began to own ranches and businesses.
• 1863: Obtained right to testify in California courts, unlike other non-whites.