Mining was the first great boom in the west, and mining camps sprang up quickly. as the mining industry grew, the need for a transcontinental railroad linking the east and the west became apparent. why did most mining camps spring up quickly after the discovery of gold or silver? a. people flooded camps, hoping to become wealthy quickly. b. people flooded camps, hoping to raise families there. c. people flooded camps, hoping to find jobs as vigilantes. d. people flooded camps, hoping to work hard for a regular paycheck.