In honor of the California gold rush of 1849, here are a few “nuggets” - - groan - - 1st woman physician in US, 1st boat load of gold rush prospectors arrives in San Francisco from east coast, Gold Coinage Act authorizes $20 Double Eagle gold coin U.S. had no president, Polk’s term ends on a Sunday, Taylor couldn't be sworn-in, Senator David Atchison (President pro tem) term ended March 3rd Zachary Taylor sworn in as 12th president, 1st gold seekers arrive in Nicaragua en route to California, Safety pin patented by Walter Hunt (New York City); sold rights for $100 Memmon is 1st clipper to reach San Francisco, 120 days out of New York. On August 19 New York Herald reports gold discovery in California Elizabeth Blackwell becomes 1st woman in U.S. to receive medical degree and William Bond obtains 1st photograph of Moon through a telescope.