When was California settled?

California was first settled by Native American tribes thousands of years ago, with evidence of human habitation dating back to at least 13,000 BC. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century led to the establishment of Spanish missions and settlements in the region, and California was officially claimed by Spain in 1769. The area remained under Spanish control until the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, when California became part of Mexico. In 1848, California was annexed by the United States following the Mexican-American War and officially became a state in 1850.