History

Although California was sighted by Spanish navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, its first Spanish mission was not established until 1769. California became a US territory in 1847 when Mexico surrendered it to John  Fremont. On Jan 24 1848 James Marshall discovered gold at Sutters Mill starting the California Gold Rush and bringing settlers to the state in large numbers. By 1964 California had surpassed New York to become the most populous state. One reason for this may be that more immigrants settle in California than any other state more than onethird of the nations total in 1994. Asians and Pacific Islanders led the influx.

Leading industries include agriculture, manufacturing (transportation equipment machinery and electronic equipment biotechnology aerospace defense and tourism. Principal natural resources include timber petroleum cement and natural gas.

. Lassen Peak is one of two active U.S. volcanoes outside of Alaska and Hawaiiits last eruptions were recorded in 1917.

Other points of interest include Yosemite National Park Disneyland Hollywood the Golden Gate Bridge Sequoia National Park San Simeon State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore.