The Origins of California's Name

The name California has its roots in fiction, specifically from a novel titled 'La Sergas de Esplandeon' written by Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo in the early 16th century. This story described an imaginary island called California, home to strong Amazons ruled by a queen named Calafia. The narrative, which painted a vivid picture of a land rich in gold and populated solely by women, captured the imagination of Spanish explorers like Hernán Cortés. When they encountered what is now known as Baja California, they mistakenly assumed it was an island and began using the name California, a reflection of the novel's influence on their perceptions and explorations.