What was the most thriving California city when California became a U.S. state? (San Diego: schools, military)

[tion91]

I've heard San Diego is the oldest CA city. Was it thriving back then? If not, was any city thriving then?

[msgsing]

Probably Sacramento because of the Gold Rush in the 1840’s.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by tion91

I've heard San Diego is the oldest CA city. Was it thriving back then? If not, was any city thriving then?

Originally Posted by msgsing

Probably Sacramento because of the Gold Rush in the 1840’s.

As a CA native, educated in CA schools I was taught there were many Gold country towns that were booming in 1850, but died down by 1860. San Francisco thrived and was THE major city in CA in the 19 century. LA was was a sleepy village until the early 20th century. SD was around, but didn’t amount to much until the 20th century

[sav858]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

As a CA native, educated in CA schools I was taught there were many Gold country towns that were booming in 1850, but died down by 1860. San Francisco thrived and was THE major city in CA in the 19 century. LA was was a sleepy village until the early 20th century. SD was around, but didn’t amount to much until the 20th century

This.

SF was by far the largest and most thriving city at that time.

[mstnghu2]

Originally Posted by tion91

I've heard San Diego is the oldest CA city. Was it thriving back then? If not, was any city thriving then?

I agree that SF was probably the most thriving city at the time. I think San Jose is actually the oldest city, not San Diego. San Jose was also the first state capitol.

[Vic Romano]

Originally Posted by tion91

I've heard San Diego is the oldest CA city. Was it thriving back then? If not, was any city thriving then?

Probably true, but there was no California back in 1769 (or even 1542). There wasn't much of anything...San Francisco was founded a few years later.

[Adriatica]

The city of Sonoma (and the surrounding areas) has a long, rich history that predates the Gold Rush. Lt. Vallejo, the Rancho land system, the military, Bear Flag Revolt, all that good stuff.

[nmnita]

Sonoma may have had a history dating way back but they certainly were not the most most thriving city in CA. I would say San Francisco or Sac most likely. It is an interesting question for sure.

[Fontucky]

I'm sure Tulemutt would know, as statehood happened during his boyhood.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

I'm sure Tulemutt would know, as statehood happened during his boyhood.

Except my boyhood was spent in Minnesota ... when Ishi’s people roamed California before it was “discovered” by the Spaniards.