What is the full name in California?

Answer 1

Prior to 1846 (the beginning of the Mexican War 1846-1848), California consisted of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and the current state of California; and was Mexican territory. When US immigrants entered (crossed) into those territories via horse back and covered wagons, as well as on foot, they were entering Mexico. After the Mexican War, the states described above were created as US territories, minus California, which NEVER had a territorial Governor; California remained under control of the US Military until statehood in 1850. California had 7 US Military Governors, before receiving it's first elected civilian Governor.

To avoid confusion, which is commonly done, Texas gained it's independence from Mexico TEN YEARS earlier in 1836 (reference the Alamo Battle); and is not part of the Mexican War of 1846-1848. The Mexican War involved the United States of America; the Texas War for independence (1836) did NOT involve the United States of America. Texas began it's own country (it's own Republic), and remained so until 1845...when it gained statehood, becoming part of the United States.

California, a state of Mexico, was called Alta California by the Mexican government, meaning UPPER California. Below the current US state line, California was called Baja California, meaning LOWER California. Mexican automobile license plates still say BC Mexico on them; meaning Baja California. Alta California has dropped away into history.

Technically, there is only one California, in the US. In Mexico, there is Baja California, and the United States California.