Where does the quote gold in them thar hills come from?

The phrase "Gold in them thar hills" is believed to have originated during the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855. It was used by prospectors and miners to refer to the abundant gold that was found in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The phrase quickly became popular and was used in popular culture, literature, and film to refer to the promise of wealth and opportunity that could be found in the gold rush.