Vigilantism is the black eye on the history of the American frontier. During the 19th century, whether due to lack of trust, competence, or unreliable law enforcement, settlers on the frontiers took it upon themselves to provide safety and security to their developing towns. Life in the developing American West was difficult and created many problems for everyone involved. Texas history is filled with skirmishes, wars, and feuds that pushed local civilians to engage in vigilantism. Thus, Arizona and New Mexico, as they struggled to gain their statehood, saw instances of civil unrest to quell local violence. Of course, however, neither Texas nor the American Southwest saw the outbreak of violence and destruction that was seen in San Francisco following the introduction of the Gold Rush. The descriptions used to describe the excitement created by the discovery of gold could just as easily be applied to how it affected people's mindsets as well. “In 1848 and 1849 it was usually known as the 'Gold Fever,' 'California Fever,' 'Yellow Fever,' 'California Mania,' and 'Gold Mania.' People from all over the world were abandoning their responsibilities and duties for a chance to get rich and make a big success. This dramatic influx of people, cultures and beliefs into one place created just the right mix of hope, frustration, anger and pride that would lead to chaos and even though “San Francisco had the most efficient and professional police department in the United States” [ during the 19th century]” failed to quell the need for vigilantes to rise up and provide order amidst lawlessness. Types of Prospectors John Marshall ushered in the Gold Rush when he discovered...... middle of paper ..... .Vigilantes and the Police: The Creation of a Professional Police Bureaucracy in San Francisco, 1847-1900." Journal of Social History 21.2 (1987): 197-227. Hamilton, Gary G. 1978. “The Structural Sources of Adventurism: The Case of the California Gold Rush.” American Journal Of Sociology 83, no. 1490. Joan, Levy. “Meet Billy Mulligan from Our Election of 1856.” San Mateo Daily Journal, The (CA), May 15. Johnson, David A. 1981. “Vigilance and the Law: The Moral Authority of Popular Justice in the American Wild West Quarterly No.". 5: 558.Lapp, Rudolph M. 1964. "The Negro in the California Gold Rush." ​​The Journal of Negro History No. 2: 81.Putnam, Giovanni. 2010. “Vigilants in the San Francisco Gold Rush.” Life Examiner, August 4. Paula, Friedman. “Sniff a Little Gold Dust and You Go Crazy.” ), December 03.