News of gold found in California brought in 
droves of hopeful miners and tradespeople 
from the east.

The discovery of gold in California on January 24, 1848  by James Marshall at Sutter's Mill created a stampede of people to the area.
Many were disappointed in their quest for gold but stayed on, some to purchase or squat on portions of Don Castro's Rancho.

Don Castro met William Hayward living at the mouth of the Palomares Canyon, where Rowell Ranch is now located.  Hayward was lured from San Francisco by stories of the rich East Bay territory. 

After Castro pointed out he was trespassing, the two eventually became friends. Finding that Hayward had skills in cattle ranching, Castro suggested that Hayward relocate to what is now known as Hayward. Castro sold him 56 acres of land, and Hayward built the first house at what was to become know as  'A'  Street.  "Haywards" become a flourishing town, noted for its orchards and promoted as a "resort" for visitors from Oakland and San Francisco.