Golden West Nuts history

Just as Minerva sprung full-grown from the head of Jupiter, California became a state on September 9, 1850, without having to go through a territorial stage.

The town of Calico was founded near the site of a major silver strike in 1881 and at the height of its glory claimed over 20 saloons and hundreds of nearby mines.

They issued a proclamation which declared California to be a Republic independent of Mexico. It was adopted as the State Flag by the State Legislature in 1911.

The California quail (Lophortyx californica), also known as the valley quail, became the official state bird in 1931.

The California redwood was designated the official State Tree of California by the State Legislature in 1937.

The golden trout (Salmo agua-bonita) is native only to California and was named the official state fish by act of the State Legislature in 1947.

Secretary of State Frank M. Jordan suggested making blue and gold the official state colors and in 1951, the State Legislature passed legislation to that effect.

In 1962 it was named a National Historic Site and a California State Historic Park.

As one might expect, gold is the official state mineral and was so designated in 1965.

The tortoise has been the official State Reptile since 1972.

Benitoite was designated as the official State Gemstone in 1985.

The Legislature named the chipped stone bear a state symbol in 1991 making California the first state to designate an official State Prehistoric Artifact.

During the Gold Rush, miners ate nearly 80,000 frogs per year. It has lost 70 percent of its former habitat range, and in 1996, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service listed it as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Adult leatherbacks can weigh up to 2000 pounds and can reach a length of 8 feet.

The Pacific leatherback turtle was established as the state marine reptile in 2012.