Videos (16)
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Gold Rush
Gold RushVideo Clip (2:37)
Video Clip (2:37)
Discover how the Gold Rush led to the creation of California.
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Transcontinental Railroad
Transcontinental RailroadVideo Clip (3:27)
Video Clip (3:27)
Find out how the transcontinental railroad transformed America into one nation.
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The Great Communicator
The Great CommunicatorVideo Clip (4:18)
Video Clip (4:18)
Ronald Reagan galvanized the American public through his famous speeches that helped redefine American politics in the 1980s.
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Migrant Mother Photo
Migrant Mother PhotoVideo Clip (3:06)
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.
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Golden Gate Bridge: Voters Decide
Golden Gate Bridge: Voters DecideVideo Clip (4:55)
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."
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Mystery at Alcatraz
Mystery at AlcatrazVideo Clip (2:49)
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.
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Mega Disasters: San Francisco Earthquake
Mega Disasters: San Francisco EarthquakeVideo Clip (2:12)
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.
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L.A. Tacos
L.A. TacosVideo Clip (5:07)
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.
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West Coast Slang
West Coast SlangVideo Clip (2:33)
Video Clip (2:33)
The street gangs of Los Angeles have their own language. Here are just some of the the terms they use.
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Carpenter's Discovery Triggers Gold Rush
Carpenter's Discovery Triggers Gold RushVideo Clip (3:15)
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.
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Cities of the Underworld: San Francisco
Cities of the Underworld: San FranciscoVideo Clip (2:26)
Video Clip (2:26)
Don Wildman dives into the Aquarium of the Bay for a deep sea adventure.
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Mega Disasters: California Katrina
Mega Disasters: California KatrinaVideo Clip (2:40)
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.
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Southern California Haunting
Southern California HauntingVideo Clip (4:32)
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.
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Randy Newman: California Teens
Randy Newman: California TeensVideo Clip (0:45)
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.
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Mega Disasters: West Coast Tsunami
Mega Disasters: West Coast TsunamiVideo Clip (2:43)
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.
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Visit California's "Mystery Spot"
Visit California's "Mystery Spot"Video Clip (2:45)
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."
Photo Galleries (5)
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California
California(9 Photos)
9 Photos
With its varied climate and diverse cultural influences, California boasts a range of natural wonders and architectural masterpieces.
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Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan(19 Photos)
19 Photos
View an image slideshow on President Ronald Reagan.
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Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon(18 Photos)
18 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of Richard Nixon.
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Baja California
Baja California(7 Photos)
7 Photos
View images from the state of Baja California on History
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Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur(7 Photos)
7 Photos
View images from the state of Baja California Sur on History
Interactives (3)
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Place the State
Place the StateInteractive
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Ultimate History Quiz
Ultimate History QuizInteractive
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State the Plate Game
State the Plate GameInteractive
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The most populous state in the U.S., California joined the union in 1850.
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