Historic sites, pollution, mountains, palm trees, shark attacks, ancient forests, movie stars and much more! California is known for having it all. America’s most populous state has a packed and interesting history ready for discovery.
History of California
Most archaeologists assume that California’s human history began around 10,000 years ago. Settlers who had crossed the Bering Strait from Asia fanned out across the Americas, coming into what is now California. The area had a high diversity of native lifestyles due to its unique landscape. Coastal tribes engaged in fishing, mountain tribes hunted and gathered, while desert tribes gathered around oases and scratched out a living on the dry earth. California was top dog in population even in that time period; roughly 1/3rd of all Native Americans in what is now the United States lived in California when Europeans arrived.
Joshua Trees and interesting rocks at Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California.
European occupation came about as explorers filtered into California during the 1500s. The Spanish, Portuguese, Russians and later Americans all vied for trade here. In 1821, California became a part of Mexico after the Mexican War of Independence. Shortly thereafter, Californians declared themselves an independent republic in 1846 (the Bear Flag Republic) before being annexed by the United States after the Mexican War. 1848 saw a backwater California become an immigration lighting rod, as shiny yellow rocks found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains kicked off the California Gold Rush. Eager to receive the tax money and population from the booming area, the United States fast-tracked California to statehood by 1850. The Golden State remained in the Union during the American Civil War.
Mission San Juan Capistrano founded by the Spanish in the 1700s.
Since 1850, California’s population has grown, as have its industries. Its cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco boomed in the years after World War II, promising ample opportunity to immigrants from across the Pacific and North America. The growth of the entertainment industry in Hollywood brought aspiring artists in from everywhere, hoping for their big shot at fame.
Today, California remains America’s most populous state, an economic powerhouse, and one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Beaches, mountains, and active preservationists make California a veritable historic gold mine.
Travel Tips for California
California is a vast state with varied landscapes; it was built to be seen by car. With that being said, traffic in Los Angeles is notorious for having some of the world’s worst congestion.
Don’t leave valuables in your car. Some California cities are notorious for car break-ins.
Gas is expensive, but some gas stations are cheaper than others. Try to buy in the suburbs and not downtown.
Southeastern California is a vast desert. Fill up your gas tank before entering and carry some extra water and food in your car.
Attractions
These are places I have been in California and/or recommend to other visitors.
