Other
American Journeys: Background on Francisco Palou and Father Junipero Serra
Find background information about the life of Father Junipero Serra and his biographer, Father Francisco Palou. Read about the missions they established in California and their work in converting Native Americans to Christianity. Click...
![Huntington Library: Coming to California [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Huntington Library: Coming to California [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Coming to California [Pdf]
For this lesson, 4th graders examine entries from Juan Bautista de Anza's diary and other documents to understand the experiences and obstacles he and his companions faced as they traveled from Arizona to California in 1774. Student...
Other
California Historical Society: California History Online
With over four hundred original images, this site covers periods in California's history from 1600 to the 1930s. Topics covered include the geography and climate of California, early aboriginal groups, the first European explorers, the...
Kidport
Kidport: The California Gold Rush (1848 to 1859)
From here, access simple write-ups on the San Francisco Gold Rush. Topics covered include: "Life of a 49er," "Foreign Miners," "Law and Order," and "After the Gold Rush."
PBS
Pbs: Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo
This PBS site offers the biography of Vallejo, a California Mexican who placed his faith in the United States government, only to lose most of his land and political power.
Other
California Museum
The California Museum tells the history of California through the stories of the men and women and the events that have shaped and that are continuing to shape its history.
Other
California Museum
The California Museum tells the history of California through the stories of the men and women and the events that have shaped and that are continuing to shape its history.
Other
California State Historical Landmarks
This is a fun way to work your way through the history of California -- visit Historical Landmarks. Remember, the plaques you see on the side of the road? Here are 1011 of them organized by county and number.
Other
De Young Museum: Analyze California Art Objects (I Notice . . . I Wonder . . .)
This pdf file is a multi-discipline analysis of the painting "View of Donner Pass", which guides one through the process of asking questions about an artwork in order to understand it's historic relevance.
Other
Object of History: The Gold Nugget
Audio-pictorial overview of the story of the California gold rush.
Other
California State Capitol Museum: Kids Zone: History of the State Capital
Over the years, many cities were California's Capital before Sacramento. Learn what these cities were and background information on each move.
Other
Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
Learn the history, architecture, and collections of the Long Beach, California historic site, Rancho Los Cerritos.
Other
Sbc an Uncommon Mission
Read about the California missions that have contributed to California state history. View paintings of all twenty-one missions created by artist, Jerome Tupa. Includes a variety of activities, quizzes, puzzles, etc. to add to the...
Other
California State Railroad Museum: The Transcontinental Railroad
A brief history of the first transcontinental railroad and the vision of Theodore Judah as well as the financing of the "Big Four."
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: John Steinbeck
This site features lesson plans for several of John Steinbeck's books. Not surprisingly, most resources relate to "The Grapes of Wrath."
Cayuse Canyon
The Us50: California
Provides excellent information regarding California's history, famous people, cities, geography, state parks, tourism, and historic sites. A fact sheet of information and a quiz are also available.
Library of Congress
Loc: California as I Saw It: First Person Narratives, 1849 1900
The Library of Congress makes available these eyewitness accounts of California's history from 1849 to 1900.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Death Valley National Park
Death Valley acquired its name during the California Gold Rush, but the Timbisha Shoshone inhabited the region long before. The severely hot and dry national park is packed with history, culture, incredible geology, and, believe it or...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Death Valley National Park
Death Valley acquired its name during the California Gold Rush, but the Timbisha Shoshone inhabited the region long before. The severely hot and dry national park is packed with history, culture, incredible geology, and, believe it or...
Curated OER
National Park Service: John Muir National Historic Site
John Muir National Historic Site is found in Martinez, California and was the home of famed naturalist, co-founder of the Sierra Club and proclaimed "Father of Our National Park System," John Muir. Find facts and quotes about John Muir...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Joshua Tree
Almost central between Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas lies California's Joshua Tree National Park. The desert park website offers a rich history, culture, and impressive ecosystem.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument finds its home in northeastern California. National Park Services provides an excellent overview filled with details to the rich history, culture, artwork and more.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Muir Woods National Monument
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument is nestled in San Francisco, California. Declared a national monument in 1908 and inhabited by the Miwok Indians originally, this redwood forest is filled...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Muir Woods National Monument
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument is nestled in San Francisco, California. Declared a national monument in 1908 and inhabited by the Miwok Indians originally, this redwood forest is filled...