17 Facts Few Americans Know About California
Many Americans know California for its sunny beaches and famous movie-star residents. But there’s a lot more to know about the Golden State.
California is an expansive state with millions of residents, sprawling national parks, and diverse industries. Its rich history has made the state one of the most recognizable places in the U.S.
These are 17 facts many Americans don’t know about California. This list includes information about the state’s geography, history, and people, along with some obscure tidbits you may not have heard before.
1: Most Populous State
California is the most populous state in the nation, followed by Texas and Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California has over 38 million residents living in the state.
Los Angeles is the second-highest populated U.S. city after New York City. Around 3.8 million people call LA home, according to Census data.
2: Largest County
San Bernardino County in Southern California is the largest county in the contiguous United States. It encompasses over 20,000 square miles from the edge of Los Angeles to the state’s border with Nevada and Arizona.
The county is so big that it surpasses the size of nine U.S. states. It’s also bigger than the countries of Switzerland, Denmark, and Belgium.
3: Third Largest State
California is a huge state, but it’s not the largest by size. It trails both Alaska and Texas in square mileage.
The state contains over 155,000 square miles of land. Its borders stretch nearly 900 miles, and it would take you about 15 hours to drive across the state from north to south. For comparison, it’s the same distance from New York City to Jacksonville, Florida.
4: World’s Tallest Tree
California is home to the world’s largest living tree, a redwood named Hyperion. Located in Redwood National Park, Hyperion measures 380 feet tall. It’s believed to be 600 to 800 years old, making it relatively young compared to other living trees.
Recently, the National Park Service announced people could no longer leave the park’s trails to view the tallest tree in person. Tourists had caused damage to the surrounding forest, threatening the ecosystem there.
5: Most National Parks
California has nine national parks within its borders. That’s the most national parks of any other U.S. state. Alaska has the second-highest number of parks with eight.
National parks in California include Joshua Tree, Sequoia, and Yosemite. Death Valley National Park includes land in both California and neighboring Nevada.
6: Hottest Place on Earth
Many Americans know it’s often warm in California, but the state is actually home to the hottest place on Earth. Death Valley recorded the world’s hottest air temperature of 134 degrees in 1913.
Death Valley is also the driest place in North America, averaging less than 2 inches of annual rainfall. In the summers, temperatures often reach 120 degrees.
7: Highest and Lowest Points
Besides being known for its record-breaking heat, Death Valley is also the lowest point in the contiguous United States. Mount Whitney in California is the highest point in the lower 48 states.
Mount Whitney, the peak of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, rises 14,494 feet above sea level. In comparison, Death Valley sits 282 feet below sea level.
8: Watermelon Snow
With its high peaks, the Sierra Nevada mountain range brings another phenomenon to California: watermelon snow. It looks like pink or reddish snow, but it’s actually algae that has both green and red pigments.
This type of algae, known as Chlamydomonas nivalis, exists in cold water. The red pigment protects the algae from radiation and absorbs heat, causing the snow to melt.
9: Biologically Diverse
California has the most biological diversity than any other state in the country. It’s home to over 40,000 different species of plants and animals.
Among all plants found in North America, nearly one-quarter exist in the state. Many plants and animals in California are endangered or threatened.
10: Extinct State Animal
California’s state animal became extinct about a century ago. The California grizzly bear is the only extinct animal to appear on a state’s flag and seal.
California grizzly bears inhabited the state for hundreds of thousands of years. They became completely extinct in the 1920s. The state chose the California grizzly bear as its official animal in 1953.
11: Historic Cable Cars
Cable cars have become an iconic symbol of San Francisco. The city’s cable cars were even named a National Historic Streetcar Landmark, one of only two streetcars in operation with this designation. The St. Charles streetcar line in New Orleans is the other.
San Francisco’s city charter includes rules for the operation and minimum service levels of the cable cars. The city operates two types of cars on different lines.
12: Thriving Almond Industry
If you enjoy almonds, chances are they came from California. The state produces about 80% of the world’s almonds and all the commercial supply in the United States.
The almond industry is economically essential to the state. It generates billions of dollars in revenue and creates over 100,000 jobs statewide.
13: Agricultural Abundance
Many dairy products, fruits, and other agricultural products come from California. The state grows over one-third of vegetables in the United States. It also produces nearly three-quarters of fruit and nuts, according to the state government.
The value of California’s agricultural products recently reached $59 billion. The state’s top products include dairy, grapes, almonds, and lettuce.
14: Birthplace of the Internet
A California university can claim itself as the birthplace of the internet. Leonard Kleinrock, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and some students sent the first internet message in October 1969.
Today, there’s a plaque marking the birthplace of the internet in Boelter Hall. It’s located on the south campus of UCLA.
15: Film and TV Capital
Many famous stars and celebrities make Hollywood their home. That’s not surprising, since California is the media production capital of the world.
In California, the film and TV industry supplies over 700,000 jobs. It also creates nearly $70 billion in wages for workers who live in the state.
16: Southern California Earthquakes
In Southern California, it’s common for minor earthquakes to occur throughout the year. Annually, this part of the state records around 10,000 earthquakes.
Most of these quakes are small, and people often can’t even feel them. About 15 to 20 earthquakes reach a magnitude 4.0 or higher each year.
17: Eureka Motto
You probably know California is the Golden State, but can you name its motto? Since 1963, “Eureka” has been the official state motto.
“Eureka” first referred to the discovery of gold in the state. It’s appeared on California’s state seal since 1849.
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