Handout
California Historical Society

Understanding California

For Students 4th - 8th Standards
Here is a beautiful handout through which learners can explore the history of California, from the earliest Europeans to visit the Golden State up through its experiences during the Great Depression and position in the modern...
Handout
Other

Cabrillo College: An Introduction to California's Native People: Missionization

For Students 9th - 10th
This site discusses the mission movement in California and its effect on the Native Americans. Timeline of the missions' founding is also provided.
Handout
Other

American Journeys: Background on Francisco Palou and Father Junipero Serra

For Students 9th - 10th
Find background information about the life of Father Junipero Serra and his biographer, Father Francisco Palou. Read about the missions they established in California and their work in converting Native Americans to Christianity. Click...
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Other

Native American Documents Project

For Students 9th - 10th
This scholarly project from California State University analyzes the effect of the Dawes Act, or General Allotment Act, which divided Indian lands into individual holdings to promote assimilation by deliberately destroying tribal...
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Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Us History Map: Arctic, Northwest Coast and California Tribes

For Students 4th - 8th
A brief description of some of the main Native American tribes that lived in the Arctic, along the Northwest Coast, and in California.
Handout
Other

California State Military Museum: Mariposa Indian War, 1850 1851

For Students 9th - 10th
The California State Military Museum has captured the history of the Indian Wars. This is a synopsis of the Mariposa Indian War which occurred between 1850-1851, the best known battle during the Gold Rush years.
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Other

Lompoc Museum: Chumash Indians [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
A very complete look at the Chumash Indians of California from the Lompoc Museum. Read an overview of how the Chumash lived and took advantage of their environment. Follow links to see maps of where they lived and information about their...
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1865 1898: The American West: The Gold Rush

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the impact of the California Gold Rush of 1848 which brought hundreds of thousands of gold-seeking migrants to the region. This massive influx of people to a place with little law enforcement and no infrastructure led to...
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Other

The Gold Rush: Collision of Cultures

For Students 9th - 10th
This page discusses the many different cultures that came to California during the gold rush.
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Other

County of El Dorado: A Peaceful People Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

For Students 9th - 10th
Get the basic history of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.
Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Yokuts

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Yokuts. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges, and much more.
Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Achumawi

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
The students will learn about the origins and the culture of the Achumawi people in northeast California.
Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Wappo

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief description of the Wappo people that lived in Northern California.
Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Shasta

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief description of the Shasta tribe that lives in northern California and southern Oregon.
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Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Wintun

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the history and the traditional culture and religion of the Wintun tribe.
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Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Colorado

For Students 3rd - 5th
Discover more about the Rocky Mountains. Why is Colorado called the "Centennial State?" Look at this website for captivating facts.
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Other

Miwok Yokut Raids Into Mexican California, 1830 1840

For Students 9th - 10th
A history of the Yokut Indians and Wars that followed with changes in Hispanic California.
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Sacramento Bee

Gold Rush: Indians' Misfortune Was Stamped in Gold

For Students 9th - 10th
This CalGoldRush site discussses the triumphs and hardships of Indians during the California gold rush. Some became rich, but many were sold into slavery.