Anglais
> Civilisation
> United States
> California
| Facts |
US rank |
|
 |
| Population |
1st |
40,000,000 inhab. |
| Area |
3rd |
163,696 sq mi |
| 423,970 km2 |
| Symbols |
Nickname |
The Golden State |
| State animal |
The grizzly bear |
Major towns
| Los Angeles |
4,000,000 |
San Jose |
1,000,000 |
Fresno |
520,000 |
| San Diego |
1,400,000 |
San Francisco |
870,000 |
Sacramento |
500,000 |
History
For at least 10,000 years, inhabited by indigenous people.
16th -17th century: exploration of the coast by Spanish expeditions and
explorer Francis Drake in 1579.
Late 18th century: beginning of the establishment of missions by
Spanish missionaries, of forts and small towns by Spanish military
forces.
1821: the Mexican War of Independence gives Mexico (including
California) independence from Spain. Trappers and settlers from the
United States and the future Canada start to arrive in Northern
California.
1846: settlers rebel against Mexican rule during the Bear Flag Revolt.
The Mexican–American War (1846–48) sees the military occupation of
California by the United States and American control in California in
January 1847.
1848–1855: California Gold Rush. Large increase of non-native
population and decrease of native population.
1869: Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad.
1906 San Francisco earthquake.
1913, Dedication of the Lincoln Highway from New York City to San
Francisco. Opening of the first Los Angeles Aqueduct.
1926: U.S. Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles and Santa Monica.
1936: San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
1937: Golden Gate Bridge
Map
| 1 Pacific Ocean |
 |
9 Mexico (Baja California) |
| 2 Sierra Nevada |
10 Sacramento |
| 3 Sacramento River |
11 Los Angeles |
| 4 Colorado River |
12 San Francisco |
| 5 San Joaquin River |
13 Fresno |
| 6 Oregon |
14 San Diego |
| 7 Nevada |
15 San Jose |
| 8 Arizona |
|