History | Symbols | Interesting Facts | Famous People
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State Bird: California Valley Quail State Animal: Grizzly Bear State Fish: Golden Trout State Marine Fish: The garibaldi State Marine Mammal: California gray whale State Insect: The California dogface butterfly Flower: Golden Poppy Tree: California Redwood State Song: "I Love You, California", written by F.B. Silverwood State Gem: Benitoite State Rock: Serpentine State Fossil: The sabre-tooth cat |
State Dance: West Coast Swing Dancing State Folk Dance: Square Dancing State Reptile: Desert Tortoise State Theater: The Pasadena Playhouse State Mineral: Gold Motto: Eureka! (Greek word meaning "I have found it"). Origin of State Name: The name was probably derived from a popular Spanish novel published in 1510 which described a fictional island paradise named California. Nickname for State: The Golden State The nickname refers to the gold rush, which played a central role in California's entry into the Union. Nickname for residents: Californians |