California Yellow Pages

California, nicknamed the Golden State, is situated on the west coast of the United States. It is the third largest and the most populous state in the United States. Its varied climate and geography, along with its diverse population makes it one of the most interesting places, not just in the United States, but all over the world. We have tried to compile some of the most important facts about California, which are bound to leave you in awe. Interesting Facts About California The etymology of the word 'California' in itself is quite interesting. Some accounts suggest that the word is derived from Queen Califia - an Amazonian warrior queen, while some suggest that it is derived from a Spanish word meaning 'wide bay'. There are many more interesting facts about California, some of which are given below. With an estimated figure of 36,961,664 individuals, the State of California ranks 1st in terms of population in the United States of America. California also boasts of the highest and lowest point in the United States. A height of 14,491 feet above mean sea level makes 'Mt. Whitney' the highest point in the United States, while a depth of 282 feet below mean sea level makes the 'Death Valley' the lowest point in the United States. Sequoia National Park in California is famous for the Giant Sequoia Trees which are considered to be the largest tree species on the planet. On an average these trees can grow up to 165 - 280 ft in height and 18 - 24 ft in diameter. California is infamous as a hotbed for earthquakes, with approximately 500,000 seismic tremors being detected every year. This can be attributed to the fact that the region is home to a vast number of geological faults. One of the interesting California state facts to note is that many people believe that the strait of Golden Gate was named after Golden Gate Bridge, however it was in fact the Golden Gate Bridgethat was named after the strait. Neither of this names have anything to do with California being known as the Golden State. Historical Facts About California One of the most amazing aspects of California is its history, which includes the advent of Europeans, being a part of Mexico and joining the United States. Here are some more historical facts about the state of California. Previously a part of Mexico, the State of California became a U.S. territory after Mexico surrendered it to John C. Fremont in 1847. Eventually, it went on to become the 31st state of the United States of America on September 9, 1850. Initially, California was spread over a larger area which comprised present day states of California, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Arizona as well as the Mexican peninsula (which is now referred to as Baja California). Bear Flag is the official flag of the state of California. It was adopted as the California flag by the California State Legislature in 1911. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to reach the coast of Southern California in 1542. Commissioned by the King of Spain, Cabrillo claimed the Catalina Island for his majesty. The State of California has had four different capitals before Sacramento - Monterey, San Jose, Vallejo and Benicia. Many sources do not consider Monterey a former capital, owing to the fact that it was the capital from 1781 to 1846, when California was a part of Mexico. Fun Facts About California Although, most people who are aware of California look at it as a home to some of the best IT firms and Hollywood studios, there are quite a few things about this state which many people are not aware of. They may sound a bit surprising, but these fun facts about California do find a place for themselves among the most important facts about California. The California valley quail, which is also known as the valley quail or Lophortyx californica, is the California state bird, the Gray Whale is the California state mammal, the California grizzly bear is the state animal, while the golden trout is the California state fish. It was the discovery of gold by James Marshall at John Sutter's sawmill in Northern California that made people from various parts of the world flock to California to try their luck. Pacific Grove, a coastal town in Monterey county, California, has an established law, according to which a person has to pay a whopping fine of USD 500 for harassing butterflies. Fallbrook in San Diego county, California, is often referred to as 'The Avocado Capital of the World', owing to the fact that more avocados are grown here than in any other part of the United States. The Whaley House in San Diego and the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose are officially designated as haunted by the U.S. Commerce Department. While there are many facts regarding this glorious state, these were some of the most important facts about California, that all American citizens should be aware of. That being said these facts will also prove to be very helpful, and interesting for tourists who plan to visit the 'Golden State'.