Indigenous peoples of California
Indigenous peoples of California, commonly known as Indigenous Californians or Native Californians, are a diverse group of nations and peoples that are indigenous to the geographic area within the current boundaries of California before and after European colonization. There are currently 109 federally recognized tribes in the state and over forty self-identified tribes or tribal bands that have applied for federal recognition. California has the second-largest Native American population in the United States.
Winnemem Wintu chief Caleen Sisk in 2009
A Pomo dancer by Grace Hudson
The Coso Rock Art District in the Mojave desert contains about 100,000 petroglyphs.
A reconstruction of a traditional Yurok plank house.
California is a state in the Western United States, lying on the American Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and the Mexican state of Baja California to the south. With over 38.9 million residents across a total area of approximately 163,696 square miles (423,970 km2), it is the most populous U.S. state, the third-largest U.S. state by area, and the most populated subnational entity in North America.
Junípero Serra conducting the first Mass in Monterey Bay in 1770
The Spanish founded Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776, the third to be established of California's missions.
General Mariano G. Vallejo reviewing his troops in the Sonoma Plaza, 1846
The 1846 Bear Flag Revolt declared the California Republic and prefaced the American conquest of California.