Kids learn about the history and timeline of the state of California including early explorers, Native Americans, the Gold Rush, and the Bear Republic. read more
1846 - California declares its independence from Mexico. 1848 - The United States gains control of California after the Mexican-American war. 1848 - Gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill. The Gold Rush begins. 1850 - California is admitted to the Union as the 31st state. 1854 - Sacramento becomes the state capital. read more
The history of California can be divided into: the Native American period; European exploration period from 1542 to 1769; the Spanish colonial period, 1769 to 1821; the Mexican period, 1821 to 1848; and United States statehood, from September 9, 1850 (in Compromise of 1850) which continues to this present day. read more
California has the largest economy in the United States and, in 1997, was the first state to reach the trillion-dollar benchmark in gross state product. In 2012, California was ranked the ninth largest economy in the world. read more