California became the 31st state of the Union on September 9, 1850! It’s named after the mythical queen, Califia, who ruled a kingdom of Black Amazons in The Adventures of Esplandián, but you can also call it The Golden State! Its capital is Sacramento, and its largest city is Los Angeles! California’s state motto is “Eureka!” This state is famous for its Hollywood movie industry, redwood forests, Gold Rush towns, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Sea World, and Disneyland!