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CA joined the union decades after 1776. Here’s what it looked like before it became a state
By Maya Mukherjee at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
An indigenous California tribe during the 1890s. (Courtesy The New York Public Library)Angelenos are getting ready to celebrate the 250th Independence Day across the city. But did you know California didn’t join the U.S. until 74 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed?This week, S...
Key takeaway (Courtesy The New York Public Library)Angelenos are getting ready to celebrate the 250th Independence Day across the city.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
As Angelenos celebrate the 250th Independence Day, it's worth considering the complex history of the region that is now Los Angeles . The city's development is deeply tied to the interactions between indigenous communities and Spanish colonizers. The missions that dotted the landscape, including the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, played a significant role in shaping the city's early years. The fact that California was integrated into the larger age of revolutions, with its own rebellions and financial support of the colonies, highlights the state's long history of connection to the broader American story. Furthermore, the region's biodiversity has undergone significant changes since 1776, with the loss of grizzly bears and other native species. Understanding this history can inform contemporary discussions about conservation and cultural preservation in Los Angeles, and provide a richer context for the city's celebrations of its American heritage.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An indigenous California tribe during the 1890s. (Courtesy The New York Public Library)Angelenos are getting ready to celebrate the 250th Independence Day across the city. But did you know California didn’t join the U.S. until 74 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed?This week, S...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Maya Mukherjee at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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