1802: Gold and silver are discovered in western Louisiana Territory and a gold rush begins, boosting the population of the colony. 1803: The United States asks to buy Louisiana from France, and the offer is declined due to the discovery of gold in the colony. France purchases Spain's claim to the Oregon Country for seven million francs and a trade deal. A road from New Orleans to the Pacific Coast is begun by the French. 1804: Louisiana continues to grow as thousands continue to migrate to the colony from around the world, and by the years end Louisiana's population will reach 217,000 people.