We celebrate National California Day on February 22. It is a day to commemorate the Golden State of the United States of America. California is one of the western states in the U.S. It is also the most populous state and the third-largest state by area. California has a rich history that witnessed native American life, European exploration, Spanish colonization, the Mexican era, the Gold Rush, and U.S. statehood. California is one of the most popular destinations, famous for monuments like the Golden Gate Bridge, places like Disneyland and Hollywood, and last but not least, for events like Coachella.
History of National California Day
California is a beauty that adorns the western landmass of the beautiful U.S., with shimmering beaches washed by the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Nevada deserts in the east. Its north is graced by occasional prairies, marshes, and other wetlands bordering Oregon, and finally, the Mexican borders to the south. California is a land of geographical diversity, blessed with seashores, forests, deserts, valleys, coastal mountain ranges, and a thriving agricultural landmass. The state has a rich history divided into five major periods.Native American culture has strong roots in California. The Native American period started about 10,000 years ago and ended with European explorations in the 1500s. Before the European age, California held about one-third of the total population of Native Americans. The Spanish explorers named California. Settlements grew over time, and the land of California welcomed them all. Between 1769 and 1821, the Spanish colonized California. But the colonization efforts were faced with many difficulties. The lack of an organized agricultural tradition, the absence of organized tribes, and the difficulty of procuring food supplies and domestic animals made it difficult. The isolation of California did not help at all in the process. In 1821, Mexico obtained independence from Spain, and California became a part of the new nation.In the following decades, California witnessed the war between Mexico and America. The end of the war also witnessed California becoming a state in America. Congress passed the California statehood act on September 9, 1850. The following years saw the Gold Rush and large-scale settlements in California filled with dreams of gold and riches. In the following years, California became an important state, and it still is today.
National California Day timeline
On September 28, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo sails along the California coast for the first time.
John Sutter builds a fort near Sacramento, making it the first non-native American settlement in California.
Around 80,000 people come to California in search of riches, boosting the state’s population.
Harvey Wilcox changes the face of Hollywood by laying out a real estate subdivision.
National California Day FAQs
What is the climate like in California?
The climate in California can vary from location to location. However, it is generally considered warm and comfortable throughout the year, with rare freezing temperatures.
Why do many California cities have Spanish names?
California was first explored and later colonized by Spain. As a result of the colonization, the culture persisted. Even now, major cities have names given by the Spanish missionaries.
Who founded California?
A Spanish navigator, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, was the first European to see the region known as present-day California in 1542.
National California Day Activities
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Visit Hollywood
Plan a road trip to Hollywood. Visit the luxurious locations and natural terrains that have witnessed the creation of various movies and events.
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Print the California map on a t-shirt
If you can not visit California, take California with you. On National California Day, wear your t-shirt with the map of California proudly.
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Hike in the Lassen Volcanic National Park
Visit the natural paradise created by the wrath of the earth. Make the most of your day immersed in the sight of boiling mud pits and lava rocks from its last eruption.
5 Interesting Facts About California
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The Golden State
California is the 31st state in the U.S., called ‘The Golden State.’
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Found it
The state motto of California is “Eureka!” which means “I have found it.”
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The state bird
The California valley quail is California’s state bird.
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The majority of residents
According to an American community survey, 39% of the state’s residents are Latinos.
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The state flag
There is a grizzly bear on the California flag.
Why We Love National California Day
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We love nature
The beauty and serenity of the Californian sunset make it a view to marvel at. The warm weather of California also attracts many visitors every year.
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We love the landscape
California is the full package geographically. The geographical diversity of the state offers a wide range of experiences in a single trip.
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Good food equals a good life
Fresh farm food and seafood are never far away in California, and the state is well-known for its delicious food. Many Californian restaurants have even made Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat list!
National California Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 22 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 22 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 22 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 22 | Monday |
