California Atlas

California facts and history plus travel and tourism information.

Capital: Sacramento
Abbreviations: CA (postal), Calif.
Area: 158,869 square miles
State Bird: California Valley Quail
State Tree: California Redwood
State Flower: Golden Poppy
State Motto: Eureka! - I have found it!
Nickname: The Golden State

Spanning hundreds of miles along America's Pacific coast, California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850 and is now the third-largest state. In the sixteenth century, travelers from Portugal, Spain, Mexico, England, and Russia explored California, and Spanish missionaries came as early as 1769, following the founding of the mission of San Diego. The Gold Rush in 1848 greatly influenced the arrival of more settlers, leading to California's statehood two years later.

California is still a unique place with famous attractions and coastal cities. To the north, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge lie between the beautiful San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Just down the coast, Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey has interesting events and exhibits of marine life. In the south, Hollywood has contributed to Los Angeles' fame, and nearby, Disneyland lures families and fun-seekers alike. Further south near the US-Mexico border, San Diego is known for the San Diego Zoo and some of the best weather in the world.

California is also home to Mt Whitney and Death Valley, the highest and lowest points in the lower 48 states.

California Map

California Links

1. California Government - official California state website.
2. California Tourism - California travel and tourism.
3. National Parks in California
4. California QuickFacts - from the US Census Bureau.
5. 50States.com - California

California Resources

• California Real Estate - real estate information about California.
• California Colleges and Universities - higher education institutions in California.
• California Libraries - list of libraries in California.

California History and Geography