California
Gold Rush
The most famous era in California history is the California
Gold Rush. The towns were wild, and the laws ignored.
The people, well, they weren't like the people portrayed
in the movies. They traveled for months, from all over
the world, they gave up everything, and risked their
lives to search for gold. Merced is in the heart of
the gold rush. Its towns, buildings and cemeteries are
well preserved for us to experience. At least for the
day you can walk the streets, and experience the lives
of the most adventurous people in California history.
California
Missions
The missions of California were originally built by
the Spanish, when California was a territory of Spain.
They were designed to bring Spain's brand of Christianity
to the Native Americans of the area. The missions later
became part of Mexico, then they changed hands for a
brief time to the Republic of California, and then to
the United States. The missions of Central California
are well preserved for us to experience how they lived.
Best of all they are only a short drive away.
Bear
Flag Revolt / Republic of California
In 1846 John Fremont led a band of California settlers
in a revolt against Mexico. Not feeling any special
loyalty to their nation (Mexico), the revolution was
over with less than ten fatalities. The result was an
independent California, for a short time. Then the United
States moved in, ending the short perod of time that
California was its own country. Experience the lives
of the people that California's fate forever.
Native Americans
Looked upon as savages by the different European influences
(Spanish, French, Russians, British, and Americans),
the Native Americans of California have a rich history.
They weren't nomads, drifting across the countryside
as portrayed in the movies, They lived in cities, their
economic system included a class system, complete with
money, manufacturing, and trade. Their scientists made
advancements in medicine, and food processing. Their
land management skills kept the land alive, and the
resources plentiful. Experience the culture, the art,
and the hardships of California's original people.
Famous Writers
In the Sierra foothills near Angels Camp, a short drive
from Turlock, A broke Mark Twain wrote his first stories
that would make him famous. Traveling the other direction,
toward the coast, John Steinbeck immortalized Monterey's
Cannery Row from his home in Salinas. To see their homes,
to stand where they stood, these experiences help us
to understand the writers on a new level.
Railroad Era
The railroad changed America, and the world. The string
of cities through the San Joaquin Valley are here because
of the Central Pacific Railroad (the western half of
the transcontinental railroad). At one time railroads
dotted the countryside, moving everything from people,
to lumber, to produce. Many of these trains were robbed
by famous outlaws. Some of these railroads are still
in service to offer you the experience of riding them
through the countryside. |
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