Northern California hot spot Lassen Volcanic National Park consists of thirty volcanic peaks. The park boasts of its hydrothermal features and offers historical, cultural, and scientific information.

Although California was far away from any fighting in the Civil War, it sent troops to support the Union. Read about why California was so important to the Union in these two articles from the California State Military Museum. Hyperlinks...

From a 1969 publication by the Chinese Historical Society of America comes this extensive look at the Chinese role in the building of the Central Pacific Railroad from California east to Utah.

This company claims to be the "oldest and most notable non-profit documentary production and distribution center in the nation." It offers a rich collection of videos on all aspects of African American life and history: e.g., Academy...

This site provides information about the geologic relationships of rock layers, as well as much about geologic time and the history of Earth.

Robin Meadows's article, "Trouble in Paradise: California's Island Fox," examines the history of the California Island Fox. The future outlook and current population information is also discussed.

The gold rush in California accelerated the western migration of thousands of young American men, who streamed into California to find riches. See who else arrived in California and find out what they did. In addition, there is a map...

[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the discovery of gold along the West Coast. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.

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...

The California State Military Museum has captured the history of the Indian Wars. This is a synopsis of the Mariposa Indian War which occurred between 1850-1851, the best known battle during the Gold Rush years.

A brief description of some of the main Native American tribes that lived in the Arctic, along the Northwest Coast, and in California.

An image is provided of "Gan Saam Meets El Dorado," which depicts the Chinese miners in California during the 1850s in search of gold.

This site from the National Parks Service gives a brief history, and description of the California trail system which was used by settlers moving to California during the 1849 Gold Rush days.

A tutorial that explains the evolutionary history of arthropods. Within the history, students can learn about taxonomy, paleontology, fossils, and evolution. Each section includes key questions for students to focus on as they move...

Read about the pioneers in Earth's geologic history and their discovery of how the process of uniformitarianism shaped the study of evolution.

Here you can learn about the Oregon Trail, Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and life as a pioneer through text, images, video, and quotes.

This site from California State Polytechnic University describes how education in Sparta was controlled by the state and the military necessities that led Sparta to do so.

Don't miss out on learning more about the female poets of the British Romantic Period. This University of California Davis site provides links to text and information on British women poets of the Romantic Era, many of which are unknown...

The Mexican-American War fulfilled James Polk's desire to acquire the territory of New Mexico and California from Mexico. See how the fight was provoked, and read about Stephen Kearny's actions in New Mexico and John Fremont's in...

Describes the events leading up to the start of the American Civil War. Looks at clashes between pro- and anti-slavery groups, the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the fight over California, the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act,...

This resource provides a biography of Ronald Wilson Reagan, a former actor and governor of California, who became a two term president of the United States in 1980.

Find a map of the Oregon Trail and California Trail and click Historical Trails tab to discover the hardships and daily grind of traveling on the Oregon Trail.

Take a look at and lend an ear for primary sources featuring the California Gold Rush. Men and women from around the world landed in the United States and flocked to the west coast in search of nuggets of gold.

In his own words, an American physician describes the devastating effects of the atomic bomb dropped in Nagasaki during World War II. Included is an online collection of images of the aftermath, videos, lesson plans, oral history...