California Historical Landmark Facts for Kids

A California Historical Landmark (often called a CHL) is a special place in California. It could be a building, a structure, or even just a spot on the land. These places are chosen because they are very important to California's history. They help us remember key events and people that shaped the state.

The California State Capitol building in Sacramento is one of California's famous historical landmarks.

What Makes a Place a Landmark?
Other Ways Places Get Recognized
- California Register of Historical Resources
- California Point of Historical Interest
Landmark Gallery
See also
- Federal Historical Landmarks

What Makes a Place a Landmark?

For a place to become a California Historical Landmark, it needs to meet at least one of these important rules:

First, Last, or Most Important: It was the first, last, only, or most important of its kind in California or a large part of the state (like Northern, Central, or Southern California).
Connected to Key People: It is linked to a person or group who had a huge impact on California's history.
Amazing Design or Builder: It is a fantastic example of a certain time period, building style, or architectural movement. It could also be the best surviving work by a famous architect or builder in that area.

Other Ways Places Get Recognized

Besides California Historical Landmarks, there are other ways to recognize important historical sites:

California Register of Historical Resources

Many California Historical Landmarks, especially those numbered 770 and higher, are also automatically added to the California Register of Historical Resources. This is another official list that helps protect and celebrate California's historical places.

California Point of Historical Interest

Sometimes, a site, building, or event is important to a local area, like a city or county, but not necessarily the whole state. These places can be named a California Point of Historical Interest. They are still very special to their local communities.

Landmark Gallery

Here are some examples of California Historical Landmarks that tell amazing stories about the state's past:

The Old Custom House in Monterey was the very first California Historical Landmark. Here, the American flag was raised in 1846, making California part of the United States.
Mission San Diego de Alcalá in San Diego was the first Spanish mission built in California in 1769.
The Cecil B. DeMille Studio Barn, now the Hollywood Heritage Museum, was where Hollywood's first major film company started in 1913.
The HP Garage in Palo Alto is known as the "Birthplace of Silicon Valley". This is where David Packard and William Redington Hewlett created their first product in the 1930s.
The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and is a world-famous landmark.
Sutter's Mill at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is where James W. Marshall found gold in 1848, starting the famous California Gold Rush.
Fort Ross was set up as a trading post by Russian colonists in 1812.
Founded in 1875, Beringer is the oldest winery that has continuously operated in the Napa Valley.
Hearst Castle is a grand estate built by William Randolph Hearst.
Yosemite Valley is a stunning natural landmark within Yosemite National Park.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum opened in 1923 and has hosted many important events, including the Olympic Games.
This road sign helps guide drivers to California Historical Landmarks, like Mission Santa Cruz.