America West, 1849 Gold Rush Doll

America was a 16 year old girl, who in 1849, accompanied by her father and brother on a wagon train to the gold fields of California.  Along the way they stopped in Fort Laramie, Wyoming where she celebrated July 4, 1849 by playing the spoons, and later in the voyage, she fell in love.

In 1999, to observe 150 years since the Gold Rush, one of the America West dolls was sent on the same trail aboard a commemorative wagon train. Upon the dolls arrival, it was placed on display at the City of Sacramento Archives and Museum.

America is an 18” vinyl doll with a soft body made by the Engel-Puppen Doll Company of Germany.  She comes wearing dress, bonnet, shawl and apron, all handmade in southwest Iowa (fabric of dress may vary slightly). America also comes with her diary, spoons and a life-size storybook about America's journey, which was researched and written by the maker.