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California
Capital:
Sacramento
State abbreviation/Postal code:
Calif./CA
Nickname:
Golden State
Origin of name:
Named by Spanish after Califia, a
mythical paradise in a Spanish romance, written by Montalvo in 1510.
Briefs on California:
Covering a vast area of 410,000 square kilometers
and nestling a remarkable population of around 36 million people
California is the third largest US state and the largest US state in
population.
Bordering the Pacific Ocean, Oregon, Nevada,
Arizona and Mexican state of Baja California, California has not just
a wonderful geographic location but also other incredible features to
its name. California is one of the country’s most beautiful tourist
destinations. The beautiful coastal town on the Redwood Coast, the big
vineyards of Sonoma and Napa, the stunning Mount Shasta, the
Disneyland Resort, the Silicon Valley, California deserts, Palm
Springs, Death Valley and much more account for California being a
place worth visiting. Also, the capital Sacramento and the largest
city of the state, Los Angeles add to the California enticement.
 Apart from spectacular lures in abundance
California has a rich history too. Originally California referred to
the entire region composed of the Mexican peninsula that in now
reckoned as Baja California and the land in the current US states of
California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Wyoming, known as Alta
California.
In early days Native Americans inhabited the
area. During the 16th century European explorers made the
way to this place. In 1542 Portuguese Joao Rodrigues Cabriho was the
first to explore the parts and the coast of the Californian region.
In 1579 Francis Drake became the first to explore the entire coast and
claim its possession.
In late 1700s by establishing small missionaries
in Baja California, Spain colonized the Californian territory. But
when Mexico acquired independence from, the chain of missions became
the property of the Mexican government and they were quickly dissolved
and abandoned by the Spaniards. But by then many major cities of
California had grew around these missions, leading to their religious
names such as Los Angeles for Virgin Mary, San Marino Francisco for
St. Francis of Assisi etc. California remained a northern province of
Mexico for almost a quarter century after California acquired
independence in 1821.
During this time several nobles of Imperial
Russia endeavored to explore and claim the parts of California. But
due to limited Imperial interest they did not succeed completely in
their aim.
With the commencement of the Mexican- American
War that happened from 1846 to 1848, the California Republic was
formed and the Bear Flag was hovered. After the war the Californian
territory was divided between Mexico and the United States. Sometime
later the Mexican portion of Baja California was also divided
partitioned into the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur.
The western part of the US portion, Alta or (upper) California was to
become the US State of California.
In 1849 California witnessed a surge in its
immigrant population due to the California Gold Rush. In 1850
California became the 31st sate of the United States.
The migrant population increased all the more
during the 20th century with the completion of major
transcontinental highways such as Lincoln Highway and Route 66. In the
years that followed the population of the state augmented even more
due to different reasons. However California has not just progressed
in terms of population but it has scaled new heights in various other
sectors.
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