California

  • 10,000 BCE

    Early Inhabitants

    Natives American tribes lived in CA for over 10,000 years
  • 1542

    Spanish Exploration

    Span explored CA and took the land, affecting the region
  • 1579

    English Exploration

    England explored the California coast and claimed the land, but Spain already controlled the area and kept the dominance
  • Spanish Colonization

    Spain built missions and military posts, forcing Native people from their land
  • Russian Control

    Russia controlled northern California and set up settlements for fur trading
  • Mexican Rule

    Mexico gained independence from Spain and took control of California
  • U.S. Takeover

    The United States took California after winning a war against Mexico
  • The Gold Rush

    Gold was found, bringing many settlers and pushing Native Americans away