Early History (pre-1542)
- Native American tribes inhabited California starting around 10,000 BC, totaling 100,000-300,000 people in over 100 tribes
- They had their own diverse cultures and ways of life
European Exploration (1542-1769)
- 1542: Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first known European to reach California, landing in San Diego Bay, but Spain did not colonize
- 1579: Francis Drake explored the coast and claimed the land for England, but no settlements were established
- 1602: Sebastian Vizcaino explored the coast for Spain, discovering San Diego and Monterey Bays
Spanish Colonization (1769-1821)
- 1769: Franciscan missionaries established the first permanent Spanish settlements and missions in Alta California
- More than a dozen missions were founded along the coast to convert natives to Christianity
- Colonization was poorly funded and supported by Spain; relationship with natives was complicated with revolts against Spanish control
- Settlements expanded slowly with establishment of towns like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Monterey and Santa Cruz
Mexican Control (1821-1846)
- After Mexican independence in 1821, Alta California became a Mexican territory
- Ranching culture developed, trade increased, and immigrants from the U.S. and Europe arrived
- Missions declined and were secularized in the 1830s
- Growing population of American settlers began to outnumber Mexicans
Bear Flag Revolt and U.S. Acquisition (1846-1850)
- June 1846: American settlers staged the Bear Flag Revolt, briefly establishing the California Republic
- July 1846: U.S. captured Monterey during the Mexican-American War, rebels accepted American control
- February 1848: California became a U.S. possession after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war
- September 1850: California was admitted as the 31st U.S. state
Gold Rush and Growth (1848-1859)
- January 1848: Gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill, sparking the California Gold Rush
- Population tripled as prospectors poured in from around the world, especially in 1849
- Around 28 million ounces of gold were found from 1850-1859
- California developed its agriculture, rail, and economy, while native populations continued to suffer
20th Century to Today
- April 1906: San Francisco earthquake caused major damage and killed around 3,000
- 1930s: People migrated to California during the Great Depression and after World War II
- 1960s: California became the most populous U.S. state, a title it retains today
- Other major events included earthquakes, social movements, Native American activism
- California is recognized for its important geography, economy, culture and complex history
In summary, California transformed from an originally Native land, to a sparsely colonized Spanish and then Mexican territory, to a briefly independent republic, and finally to the most populous and influential U.S. state, shaped especially by the Gold Rush and 20th century growth. Its history is defined by demographic change, economic development, and cultural impact.
