California – The Golden State

California Coastal National Monument, by the Bureau of Land Management

California Coastal National Monument, by the Bureau of Land Management

California Postcard

Greetings from California Postcard, available at Legends’ General Store.

California is rich with history and attractions where you can experience clear blue lakes, vast deserts, the Pacific Ocean, giant redwoods, and massive mountains.

There’s plenty to see and do in California, whether you’re the outdoor type, a roller coaster fanatic, a history buff, or a shopaholic. California provides its visitors with 21 historic missions, 20 million acres of National Forest, 270 state parks, 45 snow resorts, and 26 National Parks. Great history and photo opportunities can be found at Death Valley National Park, Alcatraz IslandCalico Ghost Town, old Route 66, and more.

As you travel around California, you’ll be struck by the state’s astounding cultural diversity and sense of prosperity. Its natural beauty, towering forests, remote wilderness, and significant landmarks will also strike you. Its incredible mountains are just hours away from beautiful beaches and deserts.

There is much to experience in California, and you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy your travels in California, and welcome to the Legends of the Golden State.

Kathy R. Alexander
Owner/Editor

California Flag – The historic Bear Flag was raised at Sonoma on June 14, 1846, by American settlers in revolt against Mexican rule. William Todd designed the flag on a piece of new unbleached cotton. The star imitated the lone star of Texas. A grizzly bear represented the many bears seen in the state. The word “California Republic” was placed beneath the star and bear. The 1911 State Legislature adopted it as the State Flag.

Golden Gate Bridge by Carol Highsmith

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, by Carol Highsmith.

Death Valley Dunes by Dave Alexander, 2015.

Death Valley Dunes by Dave Alexander.

Vintage and Modern Photographs of California

Vintage and Modern Photographs of California.

California Gold Mining

California Gold Mining

Categories:

California Gold Rush

Death Valley National Park

Forts & Presidios

Ghost Towns & Mining Camps

Haunted California

Historic California People

Indian Battles & Massacres

Photo Galleries

Route 66 in California

Spanish Missions

Treasure Tales of California

Articles:

Barstow – Where The Trails Meet

Beale’s Wagon Road From New Mexico to California

Blythe Intaglios – Nazca Lines in California

Bum Blockade – Stopping the Depression Refugees

Cajon Pass & San Bernardino

The California Trail – Rush to Gold

California Fun Facts & Trivia

California Postcards

Chattel Hood to Freedom – Black Pioneers

Diminishing the Indians in California

The Donner Party Tragedy

Ghost Town Stretch of the Mojave Desert on 66

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Harlots of the Barbary Coast

History of Orange County, California

History & Fascinating Facts of Lake Tahoe

The History of the Sovereign States of America

The History of Wine Country in the Sierra Foothills and the Delta

Hollywood – Home of the Stars

Indian Tribes of California

The Inland Empire on Route 66

The Long History of Alcatraz Island

Los Angeles – City of Angels

Midland Trail – First Transcontinental Auto-Trail

Needles – Gateway To The Colorado River

Old Sacramento – Walking on History

Old Spanish Trail

Old Trails Highway to Victorville

Quirky California

Pasadena – A Village Inside a City

Placerville – Hub of the Mother Lode

Pony Express – Fasted Mail Across the West

Salton Sea: Ghost Town Lake in the California Desert

Salvation Mountain – A Tribute to God

San Francisco History

The Long History of Alcatraz Island

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Call Building

Santa Monica at the End of the Mother Road

Tips For Traveling in the Desert

Wells Fargo – Staging & Banking in the Old West

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose

Women on the Move: Overland Journeys to California

Writing Credits

Buildings in the ghost town of Bodie, California.

Buildings in the ghost town of Bodie, California, by Kathy Alexander.

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2023.

Also See:

Destinations Across America

National Parks

United States Geography

U.S. States