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California

California is a state U.S. state

A state of the United States is any one of the fifty subnational entities referred to as a state [i] ... 

 spanning the southern half of the west coast West Coast of the United States

The "West Coast", "Western Seaboard", or "Pacific Seaboard" are terms for the westernmost co... 

 of the contiguous United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

. With a population of 37 million and an area of 158,402 square miles , California is the largest U.S. state in population List of U.S. states by population

||- ||- ||} This is a list of United States of America states by population as of 2005 [i], a ... 

 and the third largest in area List of U.S. states by area

This is a complete list of the states of the United States [i] ordered by total area, land ... 

. The region was inhabited by Native Americans before Europe Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

an explorers started to make sporadic visitations during the 16th century. California had the highest density and greatest diversity of indigenous peoples in what is now the United States.

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Timeline

1178   The Sung Document written detailing the discovery of "Mu-Lan-Pi" (suggested by some to be California) by Muslim Islam

Islam is a monotheistic [i] religion [i] based upon the Qur'an [i], which adherents believe w ... 

 sailors

1579   Sir Francis Drake Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake, Vice Admiral [i], was an English [i] privateer [i], navigator [i] ... 

, during his circumnavigation of the world, lands in what is now California, which he claims for Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth I of England

Elizabeth I was Queen of England [i], Queen of France , and Queen of Ireland [i] ... 

. With an English England

England is the largest and most populous constituent country [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 claim here and in Newfoundland Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a large island off the east coast of North America [i], and the most populous part o ... 

, it becomes the basis for English colonial charters which will claim all land from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from "sea to sea." Drake's claim is called "Nova Albion" (meaning, ''New England''), and subsequent maps will show all lands north of New Spain and New Mexico under this name.

1700   The Cascadia Earthquake Cascadia earthquake

The 1700 Cascadia Earthquake was a magnitude [i] 8.7 – 9.2 megathrust earthquake [i] ... 

, one of the largest earthquakes Earthquake

An earthquake is a phenomenon [i] that results from and is powered by the sudden release of stored energ ... 

 on record, ruptures the Cascadia subduction zone Cascadia subduction zone

The Cascadia subduction zone is a very long sloping fault [i] that stretches from mid-Vancouver Island [i] ... 

 offshore from Vancouver Island Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is located off Canada [i]'s Pacific [i] coast and is part of the Canadian province [i] ... 

 to northern California, creating a tsunami Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of waves [i] when a body of water [i], such as an ocean [i] ... 

 logged in Japan Japan

is an island country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

 and oral traditions of the American First Nations.

1769   Charles III of Spain Charles III of Spain

Charles III was king of [i] Spain [i] 1759 [i]–1788 [i], King of the Two Sicilies [i] ... 

 sends Spanish missionaries, who found California missions Spanish missions in California

The Spanish Missions in California comprise a series of religious [i] outposts established by Spanish [i] ... 

 in San Diego San Diego, California

San Diego is a coastal Southern California [i] city located in the southwestern corner of the continental United States [i] ... 

, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is a city [i] in California [i], United States [i]. ... 

, San Francisco San Francisco, California

The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth-largest city in California [i] and the fourteenth-lar ... 

 and Monterey Monterey, California

The City of Monterey is located on Monterey Bay [i] along the Pacific [i] coast in central ... 

 and begin the settlement of California.

1771   In California, Fathers Pedro Cambon and Angel Somera found Mission San Gabriel Arcangel Mission San Gabriel Arcángel

Mission San Gabriel Arcngel , the "Pride of the Missions" was founded on September 8 [i] , 1771 in pres ... 

 in what is now San Gabriel, California San Gabriel, California

San Gabriel is a city in Los Angeles County [i], California [i], United States [i] ... 

.

1846   Acting on instructions from Washington, DC Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the capital [i] city [i] of the United States of America [i]. ... 

, Commodore Commodore (USN)

Commodore is a rank of the United States Navy [i] with a somewhat complicated history. ... 

 John Drake Sloat John D. Sloat

John Drake Sloat was a commodore [i] in the United States [i] Navy [i] and, ... 

 orders his troops to occupy Monterey Monterey, California

The City of Monterey is located on Monterey Bay [i] along the Pacific [i] coast in central ... 

 and Yerba Buena thus beginning the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

 annexation of California.

1847   The Treaty of Cahuenga ends the Mexican-American War Mexican–American War

The MexicanAmerican War was a military conflict fought between the United States [i] and ... 

 in California.

1847   John C. Fremont John C. Frémont

John Charles Frmont, born John Charles Fremon, was an American [i] military [i] officer [i] ... 

 is appointed Governor of the new California Territory.

1847   Yerba Buena, California is renamed San Francisco San Francisco, California

The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth-largest city in California [i] and the fourteenth-lar ... 

.

1847   Donner Party Donner Party

The Donner Party was a group of California [i]-bound American [i] settlers caught up in th ... 

, a caravan of settlers from Illinois Illinois

Illinois is the 21st U.S. state [i] and is located in the Midwest [i] region o ... 

 to California, is stuck near what is now Donner Lake Donner Lake

Donner Lake is a freshwater lake [i] that is much smaller than nearby Lake Tahoe [i]. ... 

 due to heavy snowstorm. They will be rescued February 19 1848

   More Events >>



Encyclopedia

California is a state U.S. state

A state of the United States is any one of the fifty subnational entities referred to as a state [i] ... 

 spanning the southern half of the west coast West Coast of the United States

The "West Coast", "Western Seaboard", or "Pacific Seaboard" are terms for the westernmost co... 

 of the contiguous United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

. With a population of 37 million and an area of 158,402 square miles , California is the largest U.S. state in population List of U.S. states by population

||-
||-
||}
This is a list of United States of America states by population as of 2005 [i], a ... 

 and the third largest in area List of U.S. states by area

This is a complete list of the states of the United States [i] ordered by total area, land ... 

.

The region was inhabited by Native Americans before Europe Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

an explorers started to make sporadic visitations during the 16th century. California had the highest density and greatest diversity of indigenous peoples in what is now the United States. Spain Spain

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a Europe [i]an parliamentary monarchy [i].... 

 colonized Colony

In politics [i] and in history [i], a colony is a territory [i] under the immediate political control of ... 

 the coastal areas of the territory starting in 1769. As a result of the Mexican War of Independence Mexican War of Independence

The Mexican War of Independence, which started on September 16, 1810, was Mexico's [i] struggle f ... 

, California became a part of the Mexican Republic Mexico

The United Mexican States, generally known as Mexico is a country [i] located in North America [i] ... 

 in 1821. It was captured by the United States in the Mexican-American War Mexican–American War

The MexicanAmerican War was a military conflict fought between the United States [i] and ... 

  which was concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was the peace treaty [i] that ended the Mexican-American War [i]. ... 

. The California Gold Rush California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush was a period in California history marked by world-wide interest following the... 

 of 1848-1849 brought about 90,000 additional U.S. immigrants into the state, and California became the 31st state of the Union in 1850.

Although the state's sunny climate has given it a historic reputation for being laid back compared to the East Coast East Coast of the United States

The "East Coast," "Eastern Seaboard," or "Atlantic Seaboard" are terms referencing the easte... 

, the $1.55 trillion  California economy is larger than all but the top 7 national economies in the world and is responsible for 13% of the United States' $13 trillion gross domestic product Gross domestic product

A region's gross domestic product, or GDP, is one of the several measures [i] ... 

 . The state's major predominant industries include agriculture Agriculture

Farming redirects here. For Farming in computer games, see Farmer [i].
... 

, entertainment Entertainment

Entertainment is an event, performance, or activity designed to give pleasure to an audience .... 

, light manufacturing, and tourism Tourism

Tourism is the act of travel [i] for predominantly recreation [i]al or leisure [i] purposes, and also re ... 

. California is also the home of several significant economic regions such as Hollywood Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Hollywood is a district [i] in Los Angeles, California [i], U.S.A. [i], situated west-nort ... 

 , the California Central Valley California Central Valley

The California Central Valley is a large, flat valley that dominates the central portion of the U.S. state [i] ... 

 , Silicon Valley Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is the southern part [i] of the San Francisco Bay Area [i] in Northern [i] ... 

 , and the Wine Country .

Name

California originally referred to the entire region composed of the Mexican peninsula now known as Baja California Baja California

Baja California is the northernmost state [i] of Mexico [i]. ... 

 and land in the current U.S. state of California. The states of Nevada Nevada

Nevada is a state [i] located in the western [i] United States [i], bes ... 

, Utah Utah

Utah is a U.S. state [i] located in the western [i] United States [i]. ... 

, Arizona Arizona

Arizona is a U.S. state [i] located in the Southwestern United States [i]. ... 

, and Wyoming Wyoming

Wyoming is a state [i] of the western [i] United States [i]. ... 

, were claimed by Spain and Mexico but were almost totally undeveloped, with about 100 settlers in Arizona.

The name California is most commonly believed derived from a storied paradise peopled by black Black people

Black is a term that commonly refers to the indigenous [i] peoples of Africa [i] and their diasporic p ... 

 Amazons Amazons

In Greek mythology [i], the Amazons were either an ancient legendary nation of female warriors or a lan ... 

 and ruled by Queen Califia. The myth of Califia is recorded in a 1510 work The Exploits of Esplandian, written as a sequel to Amadís de Gaula by Spanish Spanish language

Spanish or Castilian is an Iberian Romance language [i]. ... 

 adventure writer García Ordonez Rodriguez de Montalvo. The kingdom of Queen Califia, according to Montalvo, was said to be a remote land inhabited by griffons and other strange beasts and rich in gold.

Know ye that at the right hand of the Indies there is an island named California, very close to that part of the terrestrial Paradise, which was inhabited by black women, without a single man among them, and that they lived in the manner of Amazons. They were robust of body, with strong and passionate hearts and great virtues. The island itself is one of the wildest in the world on account of the bold and craggy rocks. Their weapons were all made of gold. The island everywhere abounds with gold and precious stones, and upon it no other metal was found.


It is thought that the myth of Califia later helped fuel Spanish exploration in the New World New World

The New World is one of the names used for the Americas [i].... 

.

Others suggest the word California may come from the early Spanish explorers who entered California via the hot southern regions and referred to California as being "hot as an oven" or a "lime oven" . It may be derived from caliente fornalia, Spanish for hot furnace, or it may come from calida fornax, Latin for hot climate.

Geography




California borders the Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the world's largest body of water [i]. ... 

, Oregon Oregon

Oregon is a state [i] in the Pacific Northwest [i] region of the United States [i]. ... 

, Nevada Nevada

Nevada is a state [i] located in the western [i] United States [i], bes ... 

, Arizona Arizona

Arizona is a U.S. state [i] located in the Southwestern United States [i]. ... 

, and the Mexican Mexico

The United Mexican States, generally known as Mexico is a country [i] located in North America [i] ... 

 state of Baja California Baja California

Baja California is the northernmost state [i] of Mexico [i]. ... 

. The state has many natural features, including an expansive central valley, tall mountains, arid deserts, and hundreds of miles of scenic coastline. With an area of 160,000 square miles it is the third largest state in the U.S and is larger than Germany in size. Most major cities are at or near the Pacific coastline, notably Los Angeles Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, known as "L.A." or the "City of Angels", is the largest city in the state of California [i]... 

, San Francisco San Francisco, California

The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth-largest city in California [i] and the fourteenth-lar ... 

, San Jose San Jose, California

Palo Alto is a city in Santa Clara County [i], in the San Francisco Bay Area [i] ... 

, Long Beach Long Beach, California

Long Beach is a city located in southern Los Angeles County [i], California [i], USA [i], on the Pacific [i]... 

, Oakland Oakland, California

Oakland, founded in 1852 [i], is an American [i] city on the eastern shore [i] ... 

, Santa Ana/Orange County Orange County, California

Orange County is a county [i] in Southern [i] California [i], United States [i] ... 

, Riverside Riverside, California

Riverside is the county seat [i] of Riverside County, California [i], United States [i], it is also a fo ... 

/Moreno Valley Moreno Valley, California

|-
| County [i]
| Riverside County, California [i]
... 

, San Bernardino San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino is the county seat [i] of San Bernardino County, California [i], United States [i]. ... 

 and San Diego San Diego, California

San Diego is a coastal Southern California [i] city located in the southwestern corner of the continental United States [i]... 

. However, the capital Capital

In politics [i], a capital is the principal city [i] or town [i] associated with a country's government [i] ... 

, Sacramento Sacramento, California

Sacramento is the state capital of California [i] and the county seat [i] of Sacramento County [i]... 

, is in the Central Valley California Central Valley

The California Central Valley is a large, flat valley that dominates the central portion of the U.S. state [i] ... 

. The geographic center of the state is located in North Fork, California North Fork, California

North Fork is a small town located in Madera County, California [i] at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada [i] ... 

.

California's geography is rich, complex, and varied. In the middle of the state lies the California Central Valley California Central Valley

The California Central Valley is a large, flat valley that dominates the central portion of the U.S. state [i] ... 

, a huge, fertile valley Valley

A valley is a landform [i], which can range from a few square mile [i]s to hundreds or even thousands ... 

 bounded by the coastal mountain ranges in the west Western United States

The Western United States, also referred to as the American West or simply The West, traditi... 

, the granite Sierra Nevada to the east East

East is most commonly a noun [i], adjective [i], or adverb [i] indicating direction [i] or geography [i] ... 

, the volcanic Cascade Range Cascade Range

The Cascade Range is a mountain [i]ous region famous for its chain of tall volcano [i]es called the H ... 

 in the north and the Tehachapi Mountains Tehachapi Mountains

The Tehachapi Mountains are a short transverse range [i] in southern California [i] in... 

 in the south Southern California

Southern California, sometimes abbreviated SoCal or colloquially, the Southland, is an infor... 

. Mountain-fed river River

A river is a large natural waterway [i]. ... 

s, dams, and canals provide water to irrigate the Central Valley. The water supply for much of the state is provided by the State Water Project California Department of Water Resources

... 

. The Central Valley Project supports some municipal water supplies, though it primarily provides water to irrigated agriculture. With dredging, several rivers have become sufficiently large and deep that several inland cities are seaport Seaport

A seaport is a facility for receiving seafaring ship [i]s and transferring cargo [i] to and from them. ... 

s. The hot, fertile Central Valley is California's agricultural heartland and grows a large portion of America's food, yet near freezing temperatures are not uncommon during winter which sometimes wipe out portions of crops. The southern part of the valley, which is part desert, is known as the San Joaquin Valley , while the northern half is known as the Sacramento Valley . The Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta Sacramento River Delta

The San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta is an expansive inland river delta [i] in northern California [i] ... 

 is a major estuary that supports a brackish ecosystem while serving as the water supply hub for much of the state's population. The Channel Islands Channel Islands of California

The Channel Islands of California, also called the Santa Barbara Islands, are a chain of eight isl... 

 are located in the southern Southern California

Southern California, sometimes abbreviated SoCal or colloquially, the Southland, is an infor... 

 part of the state, stretching from Santa Barbara to Orange County. These islands have few inhabitants, but the northernmost islands are a national park. They and the largest island, Santa Catalina Island Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island, often called simply Catalina Island, is a rocky island [i] off the coast of ... 

 are attractive to visitors.

In the center and east of the state are the Sierra Nevada , which include the highest peak in the contiguous 48 states, Mount Whitney Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney is the highest point in the contiguous United States [i] at elevation 14,505 feet. ... 

, at 14,505 feet . Also located in the Sierra are the world-famous Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park [i] largely in Mariposa County [i]... 

 and a deep freshwater lake, Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a freshwater [i] lake [i] in the Sierra Nevada [i], located wher ... 

, the largest lake in the state by volume. To the east of the Sierra are Owens Valley Owens Valley

Owens Valley is the arid ranching valley of the Owens River [i] in southeastern California [i] ... 

 and Mono Lake Mono Lake

Mono Lake is an alkaline [i] and hypersaline lake in California [i], United States [i] that is a critica ... 

, an essential seabird Seabird

Seabirds are bird [i]s that have adapted to life in the marine environment. ... 

 habitat. To the west is Clear Lake Clear Lake

Clear Lake is the largest natural lake entirely in California [i], and has the largest surface area of a ... 

, California's largest freshwater lake by area. The Sierra Nevada reaches arctic temperatures in the winter and has several dozen small glaciers, including the most southern glacier in the US.

About 35% of the state's total surface area is covered by forests. California's diversity of pine species is unmatched by any other state. Though other states have a higher percentage of their land area covered by forests, in terms of total area, California contains more forestland than any other state except Alaska. Most of the forest is found in 2 areas: the northwestern part of the state and along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. Smaller forests, mainly consisting of oaks, can be found along the coast ranges of California closer to the coast, and also in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Smaller areas of pine forests can be found in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains of Southern California and also in the mountain areas of central San Diego County. Deserts in California make up about 25% of the total surface area. In the south lay the Transverse Ranges and a large salt lake, the Salton Sea Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is an inland saline [i] lake [i], located in the Colorado Desert [i] in Southern California [i] ... 

. The south-central desert is called the Mojave Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert occupies a significant portion of southern California [i] and smaller parts of southwe ... 

. To the northeast of the Mojave lies Death Valley Death Valley

Death Valley is a valley [i] in the U.S. state [i] of California [i], and is the location of the lowest ... 

, which contains the lowest, hottest point in North America North America

North America is a continent [i] in the Earth [i]'s northern hemisphere [i] and almost fully in the western hemisphere [i]... 

, Badwater Flat Badwater

"305" style="border:2px solid #e7dcc3;margin-left:3px">
... 

. The lowest point of Death Valley and the peak of Mount Whitney are less than 200 miles apart. Indeed, almost all of southeastern California is arid, hot desert, with the Coachella Valley Coachella Valley

The Coachella Valley is an irrigated [i] agricultural and recreational desert [i] valley in s ... 

 and Imperial Valley Imperial Valley

The Imperial Valley is a region of southeastern California [i] located, in part, bet ... 

 routinely experiencing extreme high temperatures during the summer. These large deserts kept travel between California and Mexico Mexico

The United Mexican States, generally known as Mexico is a country [i] located in North America [i] ... 

 to a bare minimum during the colonial period. The Coachella Valley Coachella Valley

The Coachella Valley is an irrigated [i] agricultural and recreational desert [i] valley in s ... 

 in Riverside County Riverside County, California

[i] of [[California]... 

 is famous for its popular tourist destination Palm Springs, California Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a famed Riverside County [i], California [i], desert [i] resort [i] ... 

. Other Coachella Valley communities include Bermuda Dunes, Desert Hot Springs Desert Hot Springs, California

Desert Hot Springs is a city in Riverside County [i], California [i], United States [i] ... 

, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, La Quinta La Quinta, California

La Quinta is a resort city in Riverside County [i], California [i], specifi ... 

, Rancho Mirage, Indio, Coachella and Cathedral City.

Along the densely populated and long California coast are several major metropolitan areas, including San Jose San Jose, California

Palo Alto is a city in Santa Clara County [i], in the San Francisco Bay Area [i] ... 

-San Francisco San Francisco, California

The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth-largest city in California [i] and the fourteenth-lar ... 

-Oakland Oakland, California

Oakland, founded in 1852 [i], is an American [i] city on the eastern shore [i] ... 

, Los Angeles Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, known as "L.A." or the "City of Angels", is the largest city in the state of California [i]... 

-Long Beach Long Beach, California

Long Beach is a city located in southern Los Angeles County [i], California [i], USA [i], on the Pacific [i]... 

, Santa Ana-Irvine-Anaheim, Riverside-San Bernardino, California and San Diego San Diego, California

San Diego is a coastal Southern California [i] city located in the southwestern corner of the continental United States [i]... 

. Climates near the Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the world's largest body of water [i]. ... 

 are remarkably moderate compared with inland climates. Winter temperatures seldom reach freezing and summer temperatures rarely reach above the high 80's Fahrenheit .

California is famous for earthquake Earthquake

An earthquake is a phenomenon [i] that results from and is powered by the sudden release of stored energ ... 

s due to the presence of a number of faults, in particular the San Andreas Fault San Andreas Fault

[i] that runs a length of roughly 800 [[mile]... 

. While powerful earthquakes in the United States have occurred in other states such as Alaska Alaska

Alaska is a U.S. state [i], located on the northwest tier [i] of North America [i] ... 

, Washington Washington

Washington is a state [i] in the Pacific Northwest [i] of the United States [i]. ... 

, Oregon Oregon

Oregon is a state [i] in the Pacific Northwest [i] region of the United States [i]. ... 

, and Missouri Missouri

Missouri named after the Missouri Siouan [i] Indian tribe meaning "town of the large canoes", is a cent... 

 , people are more aware of California's earthquakes due to their frequency and tendency to strike in highly populated areas.

California is also home to several volcano Volcano

A volcano is a geological landform [i] on the surface of the Earth [i] where magma [i] from th ... 

es, some active such as Mammoth Mountain Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain is a volcano [i] that lies to the west of the town of Mammoth Lakes, California [i] in ... 

. Other volcanoes include Lassen Peak Lassen Peak

Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano [i] in the Cascade Range [i]. ... 

, which erupted from 1914 and 1921, and Mount Shasta Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta, a 14,179-foot stratovolcano [i], is the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range [i] and t ... 

.

Climate

Different regions of California have very different climates, depending on their latitude, elevation, and proximity to the coast. Most of the state has a Mediterranean climate Mediterranean climate

A Mediterranean [i] climate [i] is one that resembles those of the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea [i]... 

, with rainy winter Winter

Winter is one of the four season [i]s of temperate [i] zones. ... 

s and dry summers. The influence of the ocean Ocean

Oceans cover almost three quarters of the surface of the Earth [i], and nearly half of the world's mar ... 

 generally moderates temperature extremes, creating warmer winters and substantially cooler summers. The cool California Current offshore, enhanced by upwelling of cold sub-surface waters, often creates summer fog Fog

Fog is a cloud [i] in contact with the ground. ... 

 near the coast. Further inland, the climate becomes more continental with colder winters and markedly hotter summers. The temperature gradient between immediate coast and low-lying inland valleys in the north is about 7 °F in winter and in summer roughly 25 °F . In the south, the figures are approximately 4 °F and 23 °F , respectively; however 4 °F and 35 °F between Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is a city [i] in California [i], United States [i]. ... 

 and Death Valley Death Valley

Death Valley is a valley [i] in the U.S. state [i] of California [i], and is the location of the lowest ... 

.

Westerly winds from the ocean also bring moisture, and the northern parts of the state generally receive higher annual rainfall amounts than the south. California's mountain ranges influence the climate as well: moisture-laden air from the west cools as it ascends the mountains, dropping moisture; some of the rainiest parts of the state are west-facing mountain slopes. Northwestern California has a temperate climate with rainfall of 15–50 inches per year. Some areas of Coast Redwood Sequoia

Sequoia is a genus in the cypress family Cupressaceae [i], containing the single living species ' ... 

 forest receive over 100 inches of precipitation per year . The Central Valley has a Mediterranean climate but with greater temperature extremes than the coastal areas: parts of the valley are often filled with thick fog, similar to that found in the coastal valleys. The high mountains, including the Sierra Nevada, have a mountain climate with snow Snow

Snow is precipitation [i] in the form of crystal [i]line water [i] ice [i], consisting of... 

 in winter and mild to moderate heat in summer.

On the east side of the mountains is a drier rain shadow Rain shadow

A rain shadow is a dry region on the surface of the Earth [i] that is leeward [i] or behind a mountain [i] ... 

. California's desert climate Desert

In geography [i], a desert is a landscape [i] form or region that receives little precipitation [i] ... 

 regions lie east of the high Sierra Nevada and Southern California's Transverse Ranges and Peninsular Ranges. The low deserts east of the southern California mountains, including the Imperial and Coachella valleys and the lower Colorado River Colorado River

The Colorado River is a river in the southwestern United States [i] and northwestern Mexico [i], approxi ... 

, are part of the Sonoran Desert Sonoran Desert

The Sonoran Desert is a North America [i]n desert [i] which straddles part of the U.S.-Mexico border [i] ... 

, with hot summers and mild winters; the higher elevation deserts of eastern California, including the Mojave Desert Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert occupies a significant portion of southern California [i] and smaller parts of southwe ... 

, Owens Valley Owens Valley

Owens Valley is the arid ranching valley of the Owens River [i] in southeastern California [i] ... 

, and the Modoc Plateau Modoc Plateau

The Modoc Plateau lies in the northeast corner of California [i] as well as parts of Oregon [i] and Nevada [i] ... 

, are part of the Great Basin Great Basin

The Great Basin is a large, arid region of the western United States [i].... 

 region, with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, especially from July through early September, the region is affected by the Mexican Monsoon Monsoon

A monsoon is a wind pattern that reverses direction with the seasons.... 

 , which drives moisture from the tropical Pacific, Gulf of California Gulf of California

The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula [i] from the Mexican [i] ... 

, and/or Gulf of Mexico Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is a major body of water [i] bordered and nearly landlock [i]ed by North America [i]. ... 

 into the deserts, setting off brief, but often torrential thunderstorms, particularly over mountainous terrain.

In the northern portion of the Mojave Desert Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert occupies a significant portion of southern California [i] and smaller parts of southwe ... 

 on the east side of the state is Death Valley Death Valley

Death Valley is a valley [i] in the U.S. state [i] of California [i], and is the location of the lowest ... 

, which is the hottest spot on the Western Hemisphere Western Hemisphere

Western Hemisphere, or Western hemisphere, is a geopolitical [i] term for the Americas [i] ... 

. It is common in the summer for temperatures in the valley to reach 120 °F . The highest temperature in the Western Hemisphere, 134 °F , was recorded in Death Valley on July 10, 1913. Temperatures of 130 °F or higher have been recorded as recently as 2005. The 24-hour average July temperature in Death Valley is 101 °F .

Ecology


Ecologically, California is one of the richest and most diverse parts of the world and includes some of the most endangered ecological communities. California's diverse geography, geology, soils and climate have generated a tremendous diversity of plant and animal life. The State of California is part of the Nearctic Nearctic

The Nearctic is one of the eight terrestrial [i] ecozones [i] dividing the ... 

 ecozone Ecozone

Ecozones are global divisions which have their own characteristic interplay of climatic factors, morphod... 

, and spans a number of terrestrial ecoregions, and is perhaps the most ecologically diverse state in the United States.

California has a rather high percentage of endemic species. California endemics include relic species that have died out elsewhere, including the redwood Redwood

Redwood is a name used for several species of tree [i]s with red or reddish coloured wood; see each spec ... 

s and the Catalina Ironwood . Many other endemics originated through differentiation or adaptive radiation Adaptive radiation

Adaptive radiation describes the rapid speciation [i] of a single or a few species [i] to fill many ecological niche [i]... 

, whereby multiple species develop from a common ancestor to take advantage of diverse ecological conditions. California's great abundance of species of California lilac is an example of adaptive radiation. Many California endemics have become endangered, as urbanization, logging, overgrazing, and the introduction of exotic species have encroached on their habitat. Furthermore, California is home to the largest trees in the world, the Giant Sequoias Sequoiadendron

Sequoiadendron giganteum is the sole species in the genus Sequoiadendron, and one of thre... 

.

California's native grasses were perennial Perennial plant

A perennial plant or perennial is a plant [i] that lives for more than two year [i]s. ... 

s, which stayed green year-round in most of the state's subclimates. After European contact, these were generally replaced by invasive species Invasive species

The term invasive species refers to a subset of those species defined as introduced species [i] or non-indigenous species [i] ... 

 of European annual grasses; and, in modern times, California's hills turn a characteristic golden brown in summer. California's nickname The Golden State is in reference to the golden brown summer hillsides and not to the California Gold Rush California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush was a period in California history marked by world-wide interest following the... 

,as is sometimes stated.

National Parks and Monuments


Main articles: List of areas in the National Park System of the United States List of areas in the National Park System of the United States

The National Park System of the United States [i] is the collection of physical properties owned or admi ... 

, List of United States national parks by state, and List of National Monuments of the United States List of National Monuments of the United States

This is a list of all the National Monument [i]s in the United States [i]. ... 

.

To protect and preserve the state's biological diversity, natural beauty, and historic heritage, the U.S. National Park System National Park Service

The National Park Service is the United States [i] federal agency that manages all National Parks [i] ... 

 has acquired control over a huge number of places within California. Please see the lists above for more information.

Some of the oldest and most popular national parks in the United States are located in California. The most prominent by far is Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park [i] largely in Mariposa County [i]... 

 , followed closely by the Kings Canyon Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is a U.S. National Park [i] in the southern Sierra Nevada [i], ... 

-Sequoia National Park Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a national park [i] in the southern Sierra Nevada [i], east of Fresno, California [i] ... 

 complex and Redwood National Park Redwood National and State Parks

The Redwood National and State Parks are located in the United States [i], along the Pacific Ocean [i] ... 

 .

Half Dome, in Yosemite, figures prominently on the reverse side of the California state quarter.

History


The area was inhabited by more than 70 distinct groups of Native American Native Americans in the United States

American Indian and Alaskan NativesU.S. state [i]s and several of the inhabited insular areas [i] that a ... 

s before European contact. On September 28, 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo

Joo Rodrigues Cabrilho was a Portuguese [i] explorer [i] noted for his explor... 

 landed in what is now San Diego Bay claiming it for Spain. Spanish traders made sporadic visits with the Manila Galleon Manila Galleon

The Manila galleons were Spanish [i] trading ships that sailed once or twice per year across the P ... 

s as early as 1565. The British explorer Sir Francis Drake Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake, Vice Admiral [i], was an English [i] privateer [i], navigator [i] ... 

 made contact in 1579. Sebastián Vizcaíno Sebastián Vizcaíno

... 

 explored and mapped the coast of California in 1602.

Spain Spain

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a Europe [i]an parliamentary monarchy [i].... 

 colonized Colony

In politics [i] and in history [i], a colony is a territory [i] under the immediate political control of ... 

 the territory with the 1769 expedition of Gaspar de Portolà in conjunction with the creation of the system of Military Districts Spanish missions in California

The Spanish Missions in California comprise a series of religious [i] outposts established by Spanish [i] ... 

 and Spanish Missions in California Spanish missions in California

The Spanish Missions in California comprise a series of religious [i] outposts established by Spanish [i] ... 

 between 1769 and 1823. California ceded from Spain and became part of Mexico resultant to the Mexican War of Independence Mexican War of Independence

The Mexican War of Independence, which started on September 16, 1810, was Mexico's [i] struggle f ... 

 . During the outset of the Mexican-American War Mexican–American War

The MexicanAmerican War was a military conflict fought between the United States [i] and ... 

 , in the town of Sonoma forty U.S. settlers revolted and established the California Republic California Republic

California Republic
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... 

, an independent republic, June 14, 1846. This short lived independent republic was annexed by the United States on July 9, 1846. The Mexican officials fled without a fight. The California Gold Rush of 1849 California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush was a period in California history marked by world-wide interest following the... 

 brought a huge population of immigrants into the area, and California became the 31st state of the United States in 1850.

The entire region originally known as California was composed of t