Northern California may be one of the most interesting places in the United States.  It boasts of everything from the oldest living thing in the world (a 5,000+ year old Redwood) to world-renowned wineries to the Golden Gate Bridge and on top of it all, it has a wonderful Mediterranean-like climate.  The state has the highest and lowest points in the contiguous United States.

With over 34 million people, California is the most populous state in the United States.  It is nearly a nation unto itself and, in fact, boasts the eighth largest gross national product in the world.  Physically, it is about the size of mainland China.

The state was originally inhabited by as many as 300,000 Indians.  However when Europeans began hearing rumors of this magical land supposedly filled with cities made of gold, the “rush” was off.  One Portugese explorer, Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, sailed north from Mexico in 1542 and claimed the state for the Spanish crown.  The British fought this and Sir Francis Drake landed in 1579 and claimed it for the territory of England.   But, it was Mexico that finally claimed it, took over the missions started by the Spaniards and gave out generous land grants to early settlers.  In 1846, Americans grabbed the state from Mexico.  Two years later, gold really was found which brought over 100,000 people to the state in hopes of finding their fortunes and then creating a bountiful civilization.  San Francisco became the de facto capital during this time and it became one of the wildest towns of the west.  Writers such as Mark Twain and Jack London found it to be a literary gold mine.

From that rocky start, California became an official state on September 9, 1850 and has had a history of constant growth, change and prosperity.  It has established a reputation as a center of creativity, political activism, cultural diversity, innovative technology and consequently, for having a strong and diversified economic base.

Now is a great time to visit as the State Fair is being held from August 17th to Sept. 3rd. in Sacramento.  It is intended to provide a look at the California lifestyle including its industries, diversity and what the future holds.  More than a million persons attend each year and there are lots of fair specials in and around Sacramento.  The exhibits can show you what it might be like to live there.  If you do go there, go visit Northern California active adult communities and what they have to offer . . .