The History Of California – From The Native American Period Until Statehood

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) to present day.

Native Americans are known to have lived in California for over ten thousand years, in all parts of the current state. California and Alta-California was first established by Californios a country that was colonized by Spain for over 300 years, from Spanish ruled Mexico, during the missionary era. Mexico briefly owned California, after the Mexican War of Independence. After the brief Mexican period, California became a state soon after the first discovery of gold near Los Angelos and the larger discovery of gold by Sutter’s Fort.