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Gold Rush (2:37)

Discover how the Gold Rush led to the creation of California.

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Videos (16)

  • Gold Rush
    Gold Rush

    Video Clip (2:37)

    Discover how the Gold Rush led to the creation of California.

    Video Clip (2:37)
  • Transcontinental Railroad
    Transcontinental Railroad

    Video Clip (3:27)

    Find out how the transcontinental railroad transformed America into one nation.

    Video Clip (3:27)
  • The Great Communicator
    The Great Communicator

    Video Clip (4:18)

    Ronald Reagan galvanized the American public through his famous speeches that helped redefine American politics in the 1980s.

    Video Clip (4:18)
  • Migrant Mother Photo
    Migrant Mother Photo

    Video Clip (3:06)

    The Migrant Mother image is one of a series of photographs that Dorothea Lange made in February or March 1936 in Nipomo, California.

    Video Clip (3:06)
  • Golden Gate Bridge: Voters Decide
    Golden Gate Bridge: Voters Decide

    Video Clip (4:55)

    When it opened in 1937, California's Golden Gate Bridge was the world's biggest suspension bridge and went on to become a beloved national landmark. Why did some people initially think the bridge was a dangerous idea? From "Modern Marvels."

    Video Clip (4:55)
  • Mystery at Alcatraz
    Mystery at Alcatraz

    Video Clip (2:49)

    Reports of the supernatural at Alcatraz Island date back to the 1400s. After it became a federal penitentiary in 1934, claims of hauntings and other phenomena only increased, and continue to this day.

    Video Clip (2:49)
  • Mega Disasters: San Francisco Earthquake
    Mega Disasters: San Francisco Earthquake

    Video Clip (2:12)

    The multiple fault lines that run through California put San Francisco at risk of a catastrophic earthquake that could destroy vital city infrastructure and cut the population off from emergency rescue. From Mega Disasters.

    Video Clip (2:12)
  • L.A. Tacos
    L.A. Tacos

    Video Clip (5:07)

    It's a staple Mexican treat, but where can you find an authentic taco without going south of the border? Look no further than Los Angeles, California.

    Video Clip (5:07)
  • West Coast Slang
    West Coast Slang

    Video Clip (2:33)

    The street gangs of Los Angeles have their own language. Here are just some of the the terms they use.

    Video Clip (2:33)
  • Carpenter's Discovery Triggers Gold Rush
    Carpenter's Discovery Triggers Gold Rush

    Video Clip (3:15)

    This History Channel gold mine video reflects on January 24, 1848, when James Marshall, a carpenter, discovered gold in a California river. As word spread, people began to flock to California in hopes of finding gold.

    Video Clip (3:15)
  • Cities of the Underworld: San Francisco
    Cities of the Underworld: San Francisco

    Video Clip (2:26)

    Don Wildman dives into the Aquarium of the Bay for a deep sea adventure.

    Video Clip (2:26)
  • Mega Disasters: California Katrina
    Mega Disasters: California Katrina

    Video Clip (2:40)

    A massive storm system that would melt the snow pack in the Sierra mountain range could unleash a surge of water on the population of California. From Mega Disasters.

    Video Clip (2:40)
  • Southern California Haunting
    Southern California Haunting

    Video Clip (4:32)

    Are two incidences in one night the product of supernatural entities or a practical joke? Find out what the experts have to say about mysteriously moving objects in this Southern California office.

    Video Clip (4:32)
  • Randy Newman: California Teens
    Randy Newman: California Teens

    Video Clip (0:45)

    In this States video clip Randy Newman on California: Randy Newman on the teens of California. This video clip is courtesy of The History Channel.

    Video Clip (0:45)
  • Mega Disasters: West Coast Tsunami
    Mega Disasters: West Coast Tsunami

    Video Clip (2:43)

    An earthquake is possible in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, 60 miles off the northern Pacific coastline. Mega Disasters experts weigh in on what could happen should this earthquake send tsunami waves toward America's west coast.

    Video Clip (2:43)
  • Visit California's "Mystery Spot"
    Visit California's "Mystery Spot"

    Video Clip (2:45)

    The laws of gravity have gone haywire at The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, California, where balls roll uphill and broomsticks stand on end. Is this place for real? Get the true story behind this mysterious destination. From "Weird U.S."

    Video Clip (2:45)

Photo Galleries (5)

  • California
    California

    9 Photos

    With its varied climate and diverse cultural influences, California boasts a range of natural wonders and architectural masterpieces.

    (9 Photos)
  • Ronald Reagan
    Ronald Reagan

    19 Photos

    View an image slideshow on President Ronald Reagan.

    (19 Photos)
  • Richard Nixon
    Richard Nixon

    18 Photos

    See pictures from the life and presidency of Richard Nixon.

    (18 Photos)
  • Baja California
    Baja California

    7 Photos

    View images from the state of Baja California on History

    (7 Photos)
  • Baja California Sur
    Baja California Sur

    7 Photos

    View images from the state of Baja California Sur on History

    (7 Photos)

Interactives (3)

Read More about California

The most populous state in the U.S., California joined the union in 1850.

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