The discovery of gold deposits near Sutter’s Fort and John Sutter’s sawmill in 1848 drew thousands of prospectors, traders, and adventurers from around the world to the hills and streams of the surrounding area.

California became a state in 1850 shortly after the Gold Rush attracted adventurers and settlers to this distant land on the Pacific Ocean.

One of California's special places is the small city of San Clemente located just south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego.

Like other places in California, the Los Angeles area was occupied by small groups of Native Americans until the late 1700s when the Spanish established two Franciscan missions and a military fort in the region.

One of the most unique and inspiring natural wonders to visit in the United States is the Muir Woods National Monument located just twelve miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in a forested valley.