Baja California Peninsula (highlighted)

The Baja California Peninsula or Lower California is a peninsula in the west of Mexico. It extends some 775 miles (1250 km) from Tijuana in the north to Cabo San Lucas in the south, separating the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California (or "Sea of Cortés"). Baja California we fond the state of we found the sate of from amber to mom File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Baja California we fond the state of we found the sate of from amber to mom File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Peninsula A peninsula (from Latin paene insula, almost island) is a geographical formation consisting of an extension of land from a larger body, surrounded by water on three sides. ... Tijuana (Spanish [tixwana], English usually [ËŒtiːəˈwÉ‘nÉ™]), is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California and the seat of the municipality of Tijuana; the citys current mayor is Jorge Hank Rhon of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). ... Lands End is at southern tip of Baja and its arch can be seen in a December sunset San Lucas Marina This view of Cabo San Lucas shows the rapid growth of the area (November 5, 2005). ... The Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez or Sea of Cortés; locally known in the Spanish language as Mar de Cortés or, much less frequently, Golfo de California) is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. ...

The "Island of Lower California"

See also: Origin of the name California

In the minds of European explorers, California existed as an idea before it was ever discovered. The earliest known mention of the idea of California was in the 1510 romance novel Las Sergas de Esplandián by Spanish author Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo. The book described the Island of California as being west of the Indies, "very close to the side of the Terrestrial Paradise; and it is peopled by black women, without any man among them, for they live in the manner of Amazons." It has been suggested that Califas be merged into this article or section. ... World map showing Europe A satellite composite image of Europe Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of the Earth. ... 1510 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo (or Garci Ordoñez de Montalvo) was a Spanish author (d. ... The Island of California is shown on a 1650 map by Nicolas Sanson The Island of California refers to a long-held European misconception, dating from the 16th century, that California was not part of mainland North America but rather a large island separated from the continent by the Mare... The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ... In Greek mythology, the Amazons () were an ancient legendary nation of female warriors, or a society dominated by women, at the outer edges of the world known to the Greeks. ...

The lure of an earthly paradise, as well as the search for the fabled Strait of Anián, helped motivate Hernán Cortés, following his conquest of Mexico, to send several expeditions in the late 1530s and early 1540s to the west coast of New Spain. The first of several expeditions reached the Gulf of California and Baja California, and proved that the Island of California was in fact a peninsula. Nevertheless, the idea of the island persisted for well over a century and was included on many maps. The Spanish gave the name "California" to the peninsula and to the lands north, including both Baja California and Alta California, the region that became parts of the present-day U.S. states of California, Nevada, and others. The United States even want to seize of the Baja California Peninsula. The Strait of Anián was the 16th century Spanish name for the Northwest Passage that supposedly connected the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean in the temperate or tropic regions of North America. ... Hernán(do) Cortés, Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca (1485–December 2, 1547) was the conquistador who became famous for leading the military expedition that initiated the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. ... Centuries: 15th century - 16th century - 17th century Decades: 1480s 1490s 1500s 1510s 1520s - 1530s - 1540s 1550s 1560s 1570s 1580s Years: 1530 1531 1532 1533 1534 1535 1536 1537 1538 1539 Events and Trends Spanish conquest of Peru Beginning of colonization of Brazil Categories: 1530s ... Events and Trends 1541 Hernando de Soto is the first European to see the Mississippi River. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Alta California (Upper California) was formed in 1804 when the province of California, then a part of the Spanish colony of New Spain, was divided in two along the line separating the Franciscan missions in the north from the Dominican missions in the south. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Political divisions

The peninsula is divided into two parts:

• The northern part is the state of Baja California. To avoid confusion, this state is sometimes informally referred to as "Baja California Norte". The capital of Baja California is Mexicali and the longest city is Tijuana.
• The southern part, below 28° north, is the state of Baja California Sur. The capital of Baja California Sur is La Paz (The Peace in English).

The United Mexican States or Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos or México) is a federal republic made up of 31 states (estados) and one Federal District, (Distrito Federal), which contains the capital, Mexico City. ... Baja California (literally lower California in Spanish) is the northernmost state of Mexico. ... Other Mexican States Capital Mexicali Other major cities Tijuana Ensenada list of municipalities Area 69,921 km² Ranked 12th Population (2000 census) 2,487,700 Ranked 15th Governor (2001-07) Eugenio Elorduy Walther (PAN/PVEM) Federal Deputies (6) PAN = 6 Federal Senators PAN = 2 PRI = 1 ISO 3166-2 Postal... Baja California Sur is one of the 31 States of Mexico, occupying the part of the Baja California Peninsula south of the 28th parallel. ...

Geographic features

Satellite view

A series of mountain ranges runs the length of the peninsula, which are known as the Peninsular Ranges, and extend into Southern California. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (3600x4800, 1751 KB) baja peninsula in western mexico (pixel size 250m) source: http://rapidfire. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (3600x4800, 1751 KB) baja peninsula in western mexico (pixel size 250m) source: http://rapidfire. ... The Peninsular Ranges are a group of mountain ranges which stretch 900 miles from southern California to the southern tip of Baja California, part of the North American Coast Ranges that run along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico. ... Downtown Los Angeles Skyline Southern California, also colloquially referred to as SoCal, is an informal name for the megalopolis and nearby desert that occupies the southern-most quarter of the U.S. state of California. ...

• The Sierra Juárez is the northernmost range in Mexico.
• The Sierra San Pedro Mártir lies south of the Sierra Juárez, and is higher. The highest point is Cerro de la Encantada, 3096 m.
• The volcanic complex of Tres Virgenes lies in Baja California Sur, near the border with Baja California state.
• The Sierra de la Giganta runs along the shore of the Gulf of California south of Tres Virgenes.
• At the south end of Baja California Sur, the Sierra de la Laguna forms an isolated mountain range rising to 2406 m.
• The Bahía de los Ángeles is a bay located on the east side of the peninsula, which faces the Gulf of California.

The Sierra Juárez is a mountain range on the Baja California Peninsula, in northern Mexico. ... The Sierra San Pedro Martir is a mountain chain that runs north-south along the northern part of Baja California in northwest Mexico. ... Tres Virgenes is a complex of volcanoes located in northern Baja California Sur state, on the Baja California Peninsula in northwestern Mexico. ... The Sierra de la Giganta is a mountain range of Baja California Sur state in northwestern Mexico. ... The Sierra de la Laguna is a mountain range on the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico. ... Bahia de los Angeles The Bahía de los Ángeles (Bay of Angels) is a bay located along the east side of the Baja California Peninsula, in the state of Baja California, in northwest Mexico. ... The bay at San Sebastián, Spain A headland is an area of land adjacent to water on three sides. ...

History

• 1532: Hernán Cortés sends two ships north along the coast of Mexico in search of the Island of California. The two ships disappear without a trace.
• 1533: Cortés sends a follow-up mission to search for the lost ships. Pilot Fortún Ximénez leads a mutiny and founds a settlement in the Bay of La Paz before being killed.
• 1539: Francisco de Ulloa explores both coasts.
• 1690s–1700s: Spanish settlement in California
• 1804: The Spanish colony of California is divided into Alta ("Upper") and Baja ("Lower") California.
• In 1850, after Alta California has been annexed by the United States, Baja California is further divided into northern and southern territories.
• 1853: William Walker, with 45 men, captures the capital city of La Paz and declares himself President of the Republic of Lower California. Mexico forces him to retreat a few months later.
• 1952: The northern half of the peninsula becomes Baja California, the 29th state of Mexico; the southern part remains a federally administered territory.
• 1974: The southern territory becomes the 31st state, Baja California Sur.

Events May 16 - Sir Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor of England. ... Hernán(do) Cortés, Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca (1485–December 2, 1547) was the conquistador who became famous for leading the military expedition that initiated the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. ... The Island of California is shown on a 1650 map by Nicolas Sanson The Island of California refers to a long-held European misconception, dating from the 16th century, that California was not part of mainland North America but rather a large island separated from the continent by the Mare... Events January 25 - King Henry VIII of England marries Anne Boleyn, his second Queen consort. ... Fortún Ximénez (d. ... Events May 30 - In Florida, Hernando de Soto lands at Tampa Bay with 600 soldiers with the goal to find gold. ... Route of the 1539 voyage by Francisco de Ulloa from (Acapulco) along the west coast of Mexico Francisco de Ulloa (d. ... Events and Trends Thomas Neale designed Seven Dials The Salem Witchcraft Trials are held in Massachusetts Bay Colony (1692). ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... 1804 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... 1850 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Alta California (Upper California) was formed in 1804 when the province of California, then a part of the Spanish colony of New Spain, was divided in two along the line separating the Franciscan missions in the north from the Dominican missions in the south. ... 1853 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... William Walker William Walker (May 8, 1824 - September 12, 1860) was a U.S. physician, lawyer, journalist, mercenary and soldier of fortune who attempted to conquer several Latin American countries in the mid-19th century. ... The Bay of La Paz, as seen from the International Space Station La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico, is a small city on the shores of the Gulf of California. ... 1952 (MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Baja California (literally lower California in Spanish) is the northernmost state of Mexico. ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... Baja California Sur is one of the 31 States of Mexico, occupying the part of the Baja California Peninsula south of the 28th parallel. ...

Partition

Photo of the marker

Photo of the marker inscription

New Spain's province of California was divided into Alta California and Baja California on May 19, 1773 near San Juan Bautista Creek by Fray Francisco Palou. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1600x2400, 680 KB)Photo of the marker erected in honor of the Upper-Lower California partition. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1600x2400, 680 KB)Photo of the marker erected in honor of the Upper-Lower California partition. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1600x2400, 955 KB)Photo of the inscription from the Upper-Lower California. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1600x2400, 955 KB)Photo of the inscription from the Upper-Lower California. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The province of California was a colony of Spain in North America, part of that European powers vast American empire of New Spain. ... May 19 is the 139th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (140th in leap years). ... 1773 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Fray Francisco Palou, diligent student, devout Christian, loyal disciple, tireless traveler, zealous missionary, firm defender of the faith, resourceful pioneer, successful mission builder, able administrator, and fair minded historian of California is the tribute made by Palous editor Herbert E. Bolton. ...

A marker is erected in the place where the dividing committee began the measurements for the province's partition.

The marker is behind the Misión San Miguel Arcángel de la Frontera, near Ensenada. Another mission bearing the name San Miguel Arcángel is the Mission San Miguel Arcángel in San Miguel, California. ... The port of Ensenada Ensenada is a city in the state of Baja California, Mexico. ...

Translated into English, the inscription reads:

San Juan Bautista Creek (Crespi, May 1769) This was the starting point for the setting of the first international division line between Old or Lower California (Dominicans) and New or Upper California (Franciscans) five leagues to the north (Valley of the Medanos) being established by: Priest Francisco Palou on 19 August 1773 (Mojonera of Palou) in compliance with the instructions put forth on the April 7, 1772 Concordato. Rosarito Historical Society, Baja California A.C. at The Mission, Baja California, on 20 May 1990. Fieldwork and research: Mario Reyes Meléndez. Monument donation: Christenson - Carrozo Family. Construction: Students of Tourism: U.A.B.C. Juan Crespi (1721–1782), was a Spanish missionary and explorer in the Southwest, a Franciscan. ... Franciscans is the common name used to designate a variety of mendicant religious orders of men or women tracing their origin to Francis of Assisi and following the Rule of St. ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Compass rose with north highlighted and at top Look up North in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... August 19 is the 231st day of the year (232nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1773 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... Year 1772 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... May 20 is the 140th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (141st in leap years). ... This article is about the year. ... The Taj Mahal, commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as a mausoleum for his wife, Arjumand Banu Begum. ... Logo of the UABC The UABC, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (Autonomous University of Baja California) is a public institution of higher education located in the Mexican state of Baja California. ...

See also

• Spanish missions in present–day Baja California

The Spanish Missions in California (more simply referred to as the California Missions) comprise a series of religious outposts established by Spanish Catholic Dominicans, Jesuits, and Franciscans, to spread the Christian doctrine among the local Native Americans. ...

External links

• Google maps