California Links

Here are some historical links that will help you learn more about California. Many people think of California as one of the newer states, but the Spanish Conquistadors explored and set up European settlements in the sixteenth century. Sir Francis Drake raided the Spanish Armadas along California's coast during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. At some Missions you can see artifacts brought from Europe that are 600 years old!

Edwards AFB: Desert Region

Desert U.S.A.

History of the Antelope Valley

Edward's Air Force Base

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The California Redwoods

California Redwoods are the oldest trees in the world. They existed during the time of the dinosaurs.

California's Redwood Coast

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The Missions

California Missions virtual tour.

California Missions Interactive

California Mission Studies Association

California Mission Studies Assoc.

California Mission Internet Trail

Bio of Junipero Serra

California Missions Interactive Home Page

The California Mission Resource Page

Rancho & Mission Days in Alta California

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The Gold Rush

Exploring the California Gold Rush
California library resource, including photos of artifcats such as drawings by James Marshall.

The California Gold Rush

The Virtual California Gold Country

Gold Discovery Report of Colonel Mason

The Discovery of Gold by John Sutter

California Heritage Collection
Thousands of photos from the Berkley online archives.

California's Gold Rush Country

The Land of Glittering Dreams

The California Gold Rush (teacher created)

Index to San Francisco History by Subject

California Native Americans

Maidu California has more Native Americans than any other state. Prior to the Gold Rush, more Native Americans lived here than all other states combined.

Native American Tribes in California
Listing of tribes with tribal contacts. Official State of California information.
California's Lost Tribes
Excellent site with information compiled from the Sacramento Bee. Explains why California's Indians have been shortchanged more than any other tribes.
California Tribal Sites
You will find a huge list of tribal sites here.
Estanislao's Revolt
Named after a Polish saint, Estanislao became an Indian official with a mission--flee Mission San Jose and lead one of the largest Indian forces ever to fight against whites in California.
The History of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe
A history of the cultural survival of the Maidu.
California's Native Peoples
California Indian Library Collection
Mark Franco's Native American Connection
Cherokee's of California

The Transcontinental Railroad

Crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains is still considered one of the greatest engineering feats in history. The intersection of the eastbound Central Pacific and westbound Union Pacific railroads actually happened one mile northeast of the famed Golden Spike site, at an unmarked place on the edge of a farmer's field.

Railroad History for Kids
A great site with links to the history and importance of railroads in the US.
Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum
Photographs, engravings, maps, and documents illustrating the history of the first transcontinental railroad.
Driving the Last Spike
Union Pacific
Town of Corrine
California State Railroad Museum