Alta California contained most of the land that makes up what is now the Southwest. In 1821, the land was controlled by Mexico. Its leaders made many changes in

Bring the pages of history to life with primary source documents! Primary sources help students achieve literacy in social studies by teaching them how to inves

California was ruled by Spain, then Mexico, before the United States claimed it in 1848. Learn about California’s bumpy road to statehood with this primary sou

California's journey to statehood was fraught with change. First, it was ruled by Spain. Then, it became a part of Mexico. The United States finally claimed it

California is a big state with an even bigger story. It grew leaps and bounds between the gold rush and 1900. People from across America and around the world mo