Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - 1542: Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo arrived at the present-day site of San Diego and named it San Miguel.
- Spanish colonization of California began in the late 18th century. Missionaries founded a series of missions along the coast, and these missions served as the centers of Spanish settlements in California.
Mexican California:
- 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, including California. California became a Mexican state.
- 1846-1848: The Mexican-American War took place, and as result, Mexico ceded California and other territories to the United States in exchange for $15 million.
American California:
- 1848: The gold rush began with discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill. This event led to massive influx of settlers from all over the world, and California's population grew rapidly.
- 1850: California was admitted as 31st state of U.S.
The Golden State:
- Over time, California became known as "Golden State" due to the Gold Rush and its prosperous and diverse economy.