This work examines California's history from 1520 to 1890. It also contains a ethnology of the state's population, economics, and politics.

The story of an industry: the gathering of historical interviews from the early pioneers and from the builders of California, the interviewers, and the marketing of the histories. His collection became one of the great research libraries of history.

First person accounts of the major catastrophies of 19th century California.

Through sweeping entries, focused biographies, community histories, economic enterprise analysis, and demographic studies, this Encyclopedia presents the tapestry of the West and its population during various periods of migration. Examines the settling of the West and includes coverage of movements of American Indians, African Americans, and the often-forgotten role of women in the West's development.

There is emerging interest amongst researchers from various subject areas in understanding the interplay of earthquake and volcanic occurrences, archaeology and history. This discipline has become known as archeoseismology. Ancient earthquakes often leave their mark in the myths, legends, and literary accounts of ancient peoples, the stratigraphy of their historical sites, and the structural integrity of their constructions. Such information leads to a better understanding of the irregularities in the time-space patterns of earthquake and volcanic occurrences and whether they could have been a factor contributing to some of the enigmatic catastrophes in ancient times. This book focuses on the historical earthquakes of North and South America, and describes the effects those earthquakes have had with illustrated examples of recent structural damage at archaeological sites. It is written at a level that will appeal to students and researchers in the fields of earth science, archaeology, and history.

It is often said that California has four seasons: drought, flood, fire, and earthquakes. Certainly, the Golden State has experienced an abundance of these disasters in its history. The twenty-four chapters in this illustrated book highlights some of the major events that have occurred in the state. Some of these disasters occurred long ago, while others document recent events. Some are well-known, such as the snow-trapped Donner Party of 1846 and the unforgettable fire and earthquake of 1906 in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Others are less familiar, such as the wreck of the paddle ship Brother Jonathan in 1865 or the fire at the Argonaut Mine in 1922. Included are disasters involving ships, planes, trains, and cars while others deal with tsunamis, dust storms, floods, and the collapses of bridges and dams. Some, like the shark attacks along the California coast, happen year after year and affect only a few. Other recurring disasters, like summer wildfires, claim dozens of lives and hundreds of structures, destroy wildlife, devastate miles of land, and even wipe out whole towns. The spectacular eruption of Lassen Peak has occurred only once. Although disasters usually bring loss, they sometimes bring us hard-won knowledge that may prevent future similar tragedies. Out of each disaster, acts of heroism, bravery, and compassion occur as individuals and groups attempt to aid victims in need. Illustrated with black & white archival photos. Featuring true stories researched and written about the most dramatic and diverse disasters from the Golden State. Includes natural and man-made disasters dating from 1771 to 2020.