Page 17 - Untitled-1
P. 17
Brief History of California
California's history is a tapestry woven with diverse cultures and
landscapes. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples for
thousands of years, Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century,
beginning a period of colonization under missions and ranchos. The
United States paid Mexico $15 million for the territories that
include present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico,
Colorado, and Wyoming as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
in 1848.
James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 at Sutter's Mill.
300,000 people came to find their fortune during the California Gold Rush. California joined the Union
in 1850 as the 31st state.
The 20th century brought the rise of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, solidifying California's
global cultural influence. First film in Hollywood was made in 1910. Disneyland was opened in 1955. 750
million visitors have visited Disneyland since then.
California remains a global economic powerhouse, leading in technology, entertainment, agriculture,
and renewable energy initiatives. Its allure continues to attract dreamers and pioneers seeking
opportunity amidst its natural beauty and cultural dynamism. California is the 5th largest economy in
the world with a GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
(BEA).
Brief History of San Jose
San Jose was established in 1777 as San José de Guadalupe mission.
San Jose is the capital of Silicon Valley. It is the largest city in the
region and home to many major tech companies. The history of San
Jose reflects a journey from a small farming community to a thriving
technological hub.
In 1849, San Jose became California's first state capital, before the
capital moved to Sacramento in 1854. In the early 20th century, San
Jose evolved into an urban center with technology and industry. The establishment of Stanford
University in nearby Palo Alto in 1885 contributed to the region's intellectual and economic growth.
However, it was during the late 20th century that San Jose truly became synonymous with technology
and innovation. The rise of Silicon Valley, with companies like IBM, Apple and Google, transformed the
city into a global center for technology, research, and development. Now, San Jose is one of the
largest cities in California, known for its high-tech industries and contributions to the global economy.