California Digital Library
Calisphere: Westward Expansion
A broad selection of images featuring westward expansion in California can be found on this site by Calisphere. By clicking on individual images you'll find high quality photographs and image information.
University of California
The Bancroft Library: Italian Americans in California
An introduction to the history and culture of Italian immigrants and their descendants in California from 1687 to the present. Shows how the people, industries, and neighborhoods of an area change over time. Includes a virtual exhibit...
Calisphere: University of California Libraries
University of California: Calisphere: Californio Society, 1830s 1880s
Collection of photos and drawings depicting early California elite and maps of land use from which students can learn about the transformation of the California economy and its political and cultural development in the 1800s.
Calisphere: University of California Libraries
Univ. Of California: Calisphere: Early California Exploration and Settlement
Images showing early California exploration and settlement dating from 1780s through the 1830s and describing the social, political, cultural, and economic life and interactions among pre-Columbian people of California.
Calisphere: University of California Libraries
University of California: Calisphere: Everyday Life, 1850s 1890s
Primary source images and informational text highlight the diverse population found in mid 19th century California.
Other
San Diego History Center: Before the War: The Japanese in San Diego
A good article that describes the struggles Japanese Americans experienced while trying to make a living as fishermen in southern California. The articles focuses on the story of Abe Tokunoske and how his success in the fishing industry...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Silicon Valley: Success, Failure, and a Bit of Luck
An account of the historic growth of the famous high tech California region known as the Silicon Valley! Read as circumstances placed creative people, and business in the right place at the right time allowing them to come together to...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: The Knowledge Factor in Silicon Valley
The growth and success of the Silicon Valley is largely based on the commitment of Frederick Terman who is recognized as the father of Silicon Valley. Learn how this man and those who followed him fostered an environment of knowledgeand...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Alcatraz Island
Follow links to learn about Alcatraz Island as a lighthouse, a federal prison, a part of American Indian history, and a natural habitat.
Other
California State Parks: Governor's Mansion
Discover the history of California's Governor's Mansion in Sacramento, California.
Other
California Historical Society: California History Online
With over four hundred original images, this site covers periods in California's history from 1600 to the 1930s. Topics covered include the geography and climate of California, early aboriginal groups, the first European explorers, the...
Sacramento Bee
Gold Rush
A four part analysis of the California Gold Rush: Gold! An Era Remembered, At Work & Play, Chasing a Dream, and A Lasting Impact.
Kidport
Missions of California (1769 1834)
Use this site to learn how the natives lived in missions and were educated and converted to Christianity. Also learn who established the missions and why they were created.
Other
California State Historical Landmarks
This is a fun way to work your way through the history of California -- visit Historical Landmarks. Remember, the plaques you see on the side of the road? Here are 1011 of them organized by county and number.
Other
Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
Learn the history, architecture, and collections of the Long Beach, California historic site, Rancho Los Cerritos.
Library of Congress
Loc: California as I Saw It: First Person Narratives, 1849 1900
The Library of Congress makes available these eyewitness accounts of California's history from 1849 to 1900.
Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum
Cprr History Museum: Hydraulic Gold Mining in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Provides pictures and information about hydraulic mining where jets of water were used to break down gold-laden gravel banks for gold.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: First Prisoners Arrived at Alcatraz
Why is Alcatraz Penitentiary called "The Rock?" Who is sent there? This Library of Congress site has more information and photographs.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Colorado
Discover more about the Rocky Mountains. Why is Colorado called the "Centennial State?" Look at this website for captivating facts.
OceanView Publishing
Alcatraz History: Welcome to Alcatraz History
The entire history of the famous Alcatraz prison known as "The Rock," beginning with 1847, when "The U.S. Army took notice of "The Rock" and its strategic value as a military fortress."
Curated OER
National Park Service: Californio to American: A Study in Cultural Change
This site has a instructional activity about the ranching industry, creation of California towns and the changes over time. Contains information, inquiry question, historical context, maps, readings, and images.
California Digital Library
Calisphere: 442 Regimental Combat Team
A broad selection of images featuring the 442 Regimental Combat Team can be found on this site by Calisphere. By clicking on individual images you'll find high quality photographs and image information.
Other
Virtuar.com: Alcatraz Island Virtual Tour
Click through several pictures to take a virtual tour of present-day Alcatraz Island and the federal prison that once operated there.
Library of Congress
Loc: Early California History: An Overview
Table of Contents of an easy-to-understand history of California ranging from the first peoples to the turn of the century and covers the topics of the Missions, the discovery of gold, the towns and the cities.