Baja California peninsula

From New World Encyclopedia
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{{dablink|This article is about the Mexican state. For other uses, see [[Baja California (disambiguation)]] or [[California (disambiguation)]].}}
 
  
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{{Infobox Settlement
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[[Image:Baja peninsula (mexico) 250m.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Satellite view of Baja California peninsula]]  
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The '''Baja California peninsula''' ([[English language|English]]: ''Lower California peninsula'') is a [[peninsula]] in [[North America]] in western [[Mexico]]. It extends some 1250 km (775 miles) from [[Mexicali]], [[Baja California]] in the north to [[Cabo San Lucas]], [[Baja California Sur]] in the south, separating the [[Pacific Ocean]] from the [[Gulf of California]] (or "Sea of Cortés").
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|name          = <!--State of—> Baja California
 
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|subdivision_name2      = [[#Municipalities|5]]
 
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|subdivision_name3      =[[Tijuana]]
 
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|leader_title          =[[List of Mexican state governors|Governor]]
 
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|leader_name            =[[José Guadalupe Osuna Millán]] ([[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]])
 
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[[Rafael Díaz Ochoa|Rafael Díaz]] ([[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]])<br/>[[Fernando Castro Trenti|Fernando Castro]] ([[Institutional Revolutionary Party|PRI]])
 
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|population_as_of              =2005
 
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|population_total              = 2,844,469 ([[List of Mexican states by population|Ranked 14th]])
 
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| timezone = [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
 
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|blank_name            =[[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2004)
 
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|blank_info            =0.8233 - <span style="color:#090">high</span><br/>[[List of Mexican states by HDI|Ranked 7th]]
 
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|blank2_info            =B.C.
 
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|website                = [http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/ State government]
 
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'''Baja California'''<ref>'''Baja California''', it is sometimes informally referred to as ''Baja California Norte'', to distinguish it from both the [[Baja California peninsula]], of which it forms the northern half, and [[Baja California Sur]], the adjacent state that covers the southern half of the peninsula. While it is a well-established term for the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, however, its usage would not be correct, because ''Baja California Norte'' has never existed as a political designation for a state, territory, district or region.</ref> is  the northernmost [[States of Mexico|state]] of [[Mexico]]. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the '''North Territory of Baja California'''. It has an area of {{convert|71576|sqkm|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}, or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises the northern half of the [[Baja California peninsula]], north of the 28th parallel. The state is bordered on the west by the [[Pacific Ocean]], on the east by [[Sonora]], the [[U.S. State]] of [[Arizona]], and the [[Gulf of California]] (also known as the [[Sea of Cortez]]), and on the south by [[Baja California Sur]]. Its northern limit is  the U.S. state of [[California]].
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== History ==
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{{seealso|Origin of the name California}}
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In the minds of European explorers California existed as an idea before it was 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 [[West Indies|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]]."
  
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The state has a population of 2,844,469 (2005 census), much more than the sparsely populated Baja California Sur to the south. Over 75% of the population lives in the capital city, [[Mexicali]], or in [[Tijuana]]. Both these cities are close to the U.S. border. Other important cities include [[Ensenada, Baja California|Ensenada]], [[San Felipe, Baja California|San Felipe]], [[Playas de Rosarito]] and [[Tecate]]. The population of the state is composed of [[Mestizos]], mostly immigrants from other parts of [[Mexico]], and as with most northern Mexican states have a large population of Mexican's of European ancestry, also a large minority group of [[East Asian]], [[Middle Eastern]] and [[Indigenous peoples in Mexico|Indigenous]] descent. Additionally, there are large immigrant populations from the [[United States]] and [[Central America]] due to its proximity to [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], cheaper cost of living compared to San Diego, and the number of higher paying jobs in comparison to the rest of Mexico and [[Latin America]].  
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Following [[Hernán Cortés]] conquest of Mexico, the lure of an earthly paradise as well as the search for the fabled [[Strait of Anián]], helped motivate him to send several expeditions to the west coast of [[New Spain]] in the 1530s and early 1540s. The first expedition reached the Gulf of California and Baja California, and proved the Island of California was in fact a peninsula. Nevertheless, the idea of the island persisted for well over a century and was included in many maps. The Spaniards 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.
  
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Baja California is the twelfth state by area in Mexico. Its geography ranks from beaches to forests and deserts. The backbone of the state is the Sierra de Baja California; where the [[Picacho del Diablo|Picacho Del Diablo]], the highest point of the peninsula, is located. This mountain range effectively divides the weather patterns in the state. In the northwest, the weather is semi-dry, Mediterranean. In the narrow center, the weather changes to be more humid due to altitude. It is in this area where a few valleys can be found, such as the  [[Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California|Valle de Guadalupe]], the major wine producer area in Mexico. To the east of the mountain range, the [[Sonoran Desert]] dominates the landscape. In the south, the weather becomes drier and gives place to the Vizcaino Desert. The state is also home to numerous islands in both of its shores. In fact, the westernmost point in Mexico, the [[Guadalupe Island]], is part of Baja California. The Coronado, Todos Santos and Cedros Islands are also on the Pacific Shore. On the Gulf of California, the biggest island is the Angel De La Guarda, separated from the peninsula by the deep and narrow Canal de Ballenas.
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=== Partition ===
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[[Image:Monument Upper Lower California 2.jpg|right|thumb|Photo of the marker]]
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[[Viceroyalty of New Spain|New Spain]]'s [[California (province)|province of California]] was divided into [[Alta California]] and Baja California on [[May 19]], [[1773]] near [[San Juan Bautista Creek]] by Fray [[Francisco Palóu]]. 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, Baja California]].
  
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The state's inhabitants are known as "Cachanillas," after the wild cachanilla plant which has a fresh aroma and was used by the original inhabitants to make huts. Originally, the term "Cachanillas" was applied only to the inhabitants of the Mexicali Valley, although there are tales of the term being used for inhabitants of Santa Rosalía in Baja California Sur.
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Translated into [[English language|English]], the inscription on the marker reads:
  
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==Geography==
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<blockquote>
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Baja California has two sea shores. It borders the [[Pacific Ocean]] to the west and the [[Gulf of california|Gulf of California]] to the east. Even though the state is not large in area, its geography is very diverse. The Sierra de Baja California (also known as the [[Peninsular Ranges]]) runs in the middle of the state with different denominations. The two most important are the Sierra de Juarez and the [[San Pedro Martir|Sierra de San Pedro Martir]]. These ranges are home to forests similar to those in [[San Gabriel Mountains|Southern California]]. The Picacho del Diablo is the highest peak in the whole peninsula, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of California. Between these mountain ranges, some valleys are suitable for agriculture such as the [[Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California|Valle de Guadalupe]] and the Valle de Ojos Negros. The mild weather makes this area excellent for the production of citrus fruits and grapes. This area is also rich in minerals. The mountain range gets closer to the Gulf of California towards the south of the state and the western slope becomes wider, forming the Llanos del Berrendo in the border with Baja California Sur.
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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 the School of Tourism at U.A.B.C.(Autonomous University of Baja California).
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</blockquote>
  
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The cool winds from the Pacific Ocean and the cold [[California Current]] make the weather along the northwestern coast pleasant year round. The coastal cities of [[Rosarito|Playas de Rosarito]] and [[Ensenada]] have the one of the nicest weather patterns in the whole Mexico. But due to the California current, rains from the north barely reach the peninsula and this makes the weather drier towards the south. South of El Rosario river, the area becomes a desert. This desert, however, is rich in succulents such as the Cardon, Boojum tree, Ocotillo and others. These plants can flourish in part due to the coastal fog. Driving along [[Mexican Federal Highway 1|MX-1]] provides a good view of this area.
 
  
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There are numerous islands on the Pacific shore. [[Guadalupe Island]] is the remote outpost to the west and it is home to big colonies of sea lions. In [[Cedros island|Cedros Island]] there is a small community living mostly on fishing. The Todos Santos Islands, in front of Ensenada, are popular with surfers offering some of the highest waves worldwide.
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=== Territory of Baja California ===
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A former Spanish/Mexican territory since 1804 until 1931 and comprised the whole peninsula of Baja California.
  
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To the east, the [[Sonoran desert|Sonoran Desert]] enters the state from both California and Sonora. Some of the highest temperatures in Mexico are recorded in or nearby the Mexicali Valley in the northeast. However, with irrigation from the Colorado river, this area has become truly an [[Mexicali#The_building_of_an_agricultural_empire|agricultural center]]. The Cerro Prieto geothermical province is nearby Mexicali, producing about 80% of the electricity consumed in the state and enough more to export to California. The Laguna Salada, a saline lake lying between the rugged Sierra de Juarez and the Sierra de los Cucapah, is also in the vicinity of Mexicali. The highest mountain in the range is the Cerro del Centinela or Mount Signal.
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=== Timeline ===
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*1532: [[Hernán Cortés]] sends three ships north along the coast of [[Mexico]] in search of the [[Island of California]]. The three ships disappear without a trace.
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The state is also blessed with numerous beaches on its east coast. Fishing and touristic towns such as [[San Felipe, Baja California|San Felipe]] and [[Bahia de los Angeles|Bahia de Los Angeles]] are a major attraction for people in search of adventure, nice beaches and fresh fish. The area south of San Felipe is basically undeveloped and pristine beaches can be found in many bays.
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*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.
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*1539:  [[Francisco de Ulloa]] explores both coasts.
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The main source of water in the state are the [[Colorado river]], which [[Colorado River Delta|empties]] in the Gulf of California, and the [[Tijuana River|Tijuana river]], serving the cities of Mexicali and Tijuana. The rest of the state depends mostly on wells and a few dams.
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*1690s&ndash;1700s: Spanish settlement in California
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*1804: The Spanish colony of California is divided into Alta ("Upper") and Baja ("Lower") California.
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==History==
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*In 1850, after [[Alta California]] has been annexed by the United States, Baja California is further divided into northern and southern territories.
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The first humans came to the peninsula at least 11,000 years ago, probably following the Pacific coast down from [[Alaska]]. At the time of European contact, two main native groups were present on the peninsula. In the south were the [[Cochimi|Cochimí]]. In the north were several groups belonging to the Yuman linguistic family, including the [[Kiliwa]], [[Paipai]], [[Kumeyaay]], [[Cocopa]], and [[Quechan]]. These peoples were diverse in their adaptations to the region. The Cochimí of the peninsula's Central Desert were generalized hunter-gatherers who moved frequently; however, the Cochimí on [[Cedros Island]] off the west coast had developed a strongly maritime economy. The Kiliwa, Paipai, and Kumeyaay in the better-watered northwest were also hunter-gatherers, but that region supported denser populations and more sedentary lifeways. The Cocopa and Quechan of northeastern Baja California practiced agriculture in the floodplain of the lower Colorado River.
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*1853: [[William Walker (soldier)|William Walker]], with 45 men, captures the capital city of [[La Paz, Baja California Sur|La Paz]] and declares himself President of the Republic of Lower California. Mexico forces him to retreat a few months later.
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Europeans reached the present state of Baja California in 1539, when [[Francisco de Ulloa]] reconnoitered its east coast on the [[Gulf of California]] and explored the peninsula's west coast at least as far north as Cedros Island. [[Hernando de Alarcón]] returned to the east coast and ascended the lower Colorado River in 1540, and [[Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo]] completed the reconnaissance of the west coast in 1542. [[Sebastián Vizcaíno]] again surveyed the west coast in 1602, but outside visitors during the following century were few.
 
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The [[Society of Jesus|Jesuits]] founded a permanent mission colony on the peninsula at [[Loreto, Baja California Sur|Loreto]] in 1697. During the following decades, they gradually extended their sway throughout the present state of Baja California Sur. In 1751-1753, the Croatian Jesuit mission-explorer [[Ferdinand Konščak]] made overland explorations northward into the state of Baja California. Jesuit missions were subsequently established among the Cochimí at [[Misión Santa Gertrudis|Santa Gertrudis]] (1752), [[Misión San Francisco Borja|San Borja]] (1762), and [[Misión Santa María de los Ángeles|Santa María]] (1767).
 
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After the [[Suppression of the Jesuits|expulsion of the Jesuits]] in 1768, the short-lived [[Franciscan]] administration (1768-1773) resulted in one new mission at [[Misión San Fernando Rey de España de Velicatá|San Fernando Velicatá]]. More importantly, the 1769 expedition to settle [[California|Alta California]] under [[Gaspar de Portolà]] and [[Junípero Serra]] resulted in the first overland exploration of the northwestern portion of the state.
 
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The [[Dominican Order|Dominicans]] took over management of the Baja California missions from the Franciscans in 1773. They established a chain of new missions among the northern Cochimí and western Yumans, first on the coast and subsequently inland, extending from [[Misión Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de Viñacado|El Rosario]] (1774) to [[Misión El Descanso|Descanso]] (1817), just south of Tijuana.
 
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=== Nineteenth and twentieth centuries ===
 
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*1804: The Spanish colony of California is [[divided into Alta ("upper") and Baja ("lower") California]] at the line separating the [[Franciscan]] missions in the north from the [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] missions in the south.
 
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*1848: [[Alta California]] is annexed by the United States.  
 
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*1853: Soldier of fortune [[William Walker (soldier)|William Walker]] captures [[La Paz, Baja California Sur|La Paz]], declaring himself President of the Republic of Lower California. The Mexican government forces his retreat after several months.
 
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*1905: The Magonista revolutionary movement begins.
 
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*1911: Mexicali and Tijuana are captured by the Partido Liberal Mexicano (PLM), but soon surrender to Federal forces.  
 
 
*1930: Baja California is further divided into Northern and Southern territories.
 
*1930: Baja California is further divided into Northern and Southern territories.
 
*1952: The ''North Territory of Baja California'' becomes the 29th state of Mexico, [[Baja California]]. The southern portion, below 28°N, remains a federally administered territory.
 
*1952: The ''North Territory of Baja California'' becomes the 29th state of Mexico, [[Baja California]]. The southern portion, below 28°N, remains a federally administered territory.
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*1973: The 1700km (1060 miles) long Trans-Peninsular Highway ([[Mexican Federal Highway 1]]), is finished. It is the first paved road that spans the entire peninsula.<ref>[http://www.cabobob.com/bajahwy.htm Baja Highway: Drive the Baja California Peninsula]</ref> The highway was built by the Mexican government to improve Baja's economy and increase tourism.<ref>Barkenbus, Jack, ''The Trans-Peninsular Highway: A New Era for Baja California,'' Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs, Vol. 16, No. 3. (Aug., 1974), pp. 259-273.</ref>
 
*1974: The ''South Territory of Baja California'' becomes the 31st state, [[Baja California Sur]].
 
*1974: The ''South Territory of Baja California'' becomes the 31st state, [[Baja California Sur]].
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*1989: [[Ernesto Ruffo Appel]] of the [[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]] becomes the first non-[[Institutional Revolutionary Party|PRI]] governor of Baja California and the first opposition governor of any state since the [[Mexican Revolution|Revolution]].
 
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==Demographics==
 
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The racial make-up of the state is approximately 40% White/European (not limited to Mexican or/and Spanish descent), 36% Mestizo (Mixed Amerindian and European), 9% east Asian (predominantly Chinese, Korean and Japanese), the remaining 15% is Native American (of Mexican and Central American origins, but includes [[Cherokee]]s from the U.S. long settled in Northwest Mexico since the 1850s) and less than 1% Black African.
 
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Historically, the state had sizable east Asian immigration, esp. Mexicali has a large [[Chinese people|Chinese]] community, as well [[Filipinos]] from the Philippines both under Spanish and later US rule (1898-1946) settled in the state in much of the 19th and 20th centuries, and Tijuana is a major port of entry for east Asians entering the U.S. ever since the first [[Asian-American]]s were present in California.
 
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Also a significant number of [[Arab people|Arabs]] (esp. from Lebanon and Syria) and [[Armenians]] from the Middle East, and [[east Indians]] from India or Pakistan settle near the US border and small waves of [[Russian people|Russian]] settlers in the early 20th century, usually members of the [[Molokan]] sect of the [[Russian Orthodox]] church fled the [[Russian Revolution]] of 1917 when the Soviet Union took power, had established a few villages along the Pacific coast south of Ensenada. {{Fact|date=March 2008}}
 
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In the past two decades large numbers of migrants from southern Mexican states have arrived to work in agriculture (esp. the Mexicali Valley and nearby Imperial Valley, California, US) and manufacturing. The cities of Tijuana and Mexicali grew as a result of migrants, primarily are those who sought US citizenship and those temporary residents awaiting for their entry to America are called ''Flotillas'', which is Spanish for "to float."
 
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There is also a sizable immigrant community from Central and South America, and from the United States and Canada. An estimated 200,000+ American expatriates live in the state, especially in coastal resort towns such as *[[Playas de Rosarito (municipality)|Rosarito]] and [[San Felipe, Baja California|San Felipe]] known for affordable homes purchased by retirees whom continued to hold US citizenship. [[Tijuana]] also has a large American population (second largest in Mexico next to Mexico City), particularly for its cheaper housing and proximity to San Diego. Most Americans that live in Tijuana work in San Diego, earning higher wages.
 
  
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== Municipalities ==
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== Political divisions ==
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Baja California is subdivided into five ''[[municipio (Mexico)|municipio]]s'' ([[municipality|municipalities]]). See [[municipalities of Baja California]].
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The peninsula is divided into two parts:
  
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*[[Ensenada (municipality)|Ensenada]]
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*The northern part is the [[states of Mexico|state]] of [[Baja California]].<ref>'''[[Baja California]]''', it is sometimes informally referred to as ''Baja California Norte'', to distinguish it from both the ''Baja California peninsula'', of which it forms the northern half, and [[Baja California Sur]], the adjacent state that covers the southern half of the peninsula. While it is a well-established term for the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, however, its usage would not be correct, because ''Baja California Norte'' has never existed as a political designation for a state, territory, district or region.</ref> The citizens of Baja California are named  Baja-Californiano (''Lower-Californian in English'').
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*[[Mexicali (municipality)|Mexicali]]
+
*The southern part, below 28° north, is the state of [[Baja California Sur]]. The citizens of Baja California Sur are named Sud-Californiano (''South-Californian in English'').
−
*[[Tecate (municipality)|Tecate]]
 
−
*[[Tijuana (municipality)|Tijuana]]
 
−
*[[Playas de Rosarito (municipality)|Playas de Rosarito]]
 
  
−
==Education ==
+
== Geographic features ==  
−
* See [[:Category:Universities and colleges in Baja California]].
+
A series of mountain ranges runs the length of the peninsula, which are known as the [[Peninsular Ranges]], and extend into [[Southern 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&nbsp;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&nbsp;m. 
 +
*The [[Bahía de los Ángeles]] is a [[Headlands and bays|bay]] located on the east side of the peninsula facing the Gulf of California.
  
−
==Economy==
+
== Geology ==
−
As of 2005, Baja California’s economy represents 3.3% of of Mexico’s total [[gross domestic product]] or 21,996 million USD<ref>{{cite book | authorlink = http://www.bancomext.gob.mx | title = Industrial Costs in Mexico - A Guide for Foreign Investors 2007
+
The Baja California peninsula was once a part of the [[North American Plate]], the [[tectonic plate]] of which mainland Mexico remains a part.  About 5 million years ago, the [[East Pacific Rise]] began cutting into the margin of the North American Plate, initiating the separation of the peninsula from it. Thereafter, the East Pacific Rise continued to propagate northward, up through what is now the Gulf of California. The propagating tip of the spreading center is now located somewhere in the [[Salton Sea]] basin.  The Baja California peninsula is now part of the [[Pacific Plate]] and is moving with it away from the East Pacific Rise in a north northwestward direction. It is an ongoing example of a type of crustal block known as a [[terrane]].
−
  | publisher = Bancomext
 
−
  | date = 2007
 
−
  | location = Mexico City
 
−
  | pages = 86
 
−
  }}</ref>. Baja California's economy has a strong focus on export oriented manufacturing (i.e. [[maquiladora]] / [[INMEX]]). As of 2005, 284,255 people are employed in the manufacturing sector<ref>
 
−
{{cite book
 
−
  | authorlink = http://www.bancomext.gob.mx
 
−
  | title = Industrial Costs in Mexico - A Guide for Foreign Investors 2007
 
−
  | publisher = Bancomext
 
−
  | date = 2007
 
−
  | location = Mexico City
 
−
  | pages = 86
 
−
  }}</ref>. There are a more than 900 companies operating under the federal [[INMEX]] or [[Prosec]] program in Baja California. The average wage for an employee in Baja California is approximately 217 pesos per day<ref>{{cite web|title=Baja California Regional Investment Guide|publisher=UnderstandMexico|url=http://www.understandmexico.com/mexico/states/Baja/California|accessdate=2008-03-09}}</ref>.
 
  
 +
== Ecoregions ==
 +
The peninsula is home to several distinct ecoregions. Most of the peninsula is [[deserts and xeric shrublands]], although pine-oak forests are found in the mountains at the northern and southern ends of the peninsula. The southern tip of the peninsula, which was formerly an island, has many species with affinities to tropical Mexico.
 +
* [[California chaparral and woodlands]], which covers the [[Mediterranean climate]] northwestern corner of the peninsula, as well as [[Cedros Island|Cedros]] and [[Guadalupe Island|Guadalupe]] islands.
 +
* [[Sierra Juarez and San Pedro Martir pine-oak forests]] in the upper reaches of the Sierra Juárez and Sierra San Pedro Mártir ranges in the northern peninsula.
 +
* The [[Sonoran Desert]] extends into the northeastern portion of the state, east of the Sierra Juárez and Sierra San Pedro Mártir.
 +
* The [[Baja California Desert]] extends along the Pacific side of the peninsula for most of its length.
 +
* The [[Gulf of California xeric scrub]] extends along the Gulf of California side of the peninsula for most of its length.
 +
* [[San Lucan xeric scrub]] lies in the lowlands of the peninsula's southern tip.
 +
* [[Sierra de la Laguna dry forests]] are found on the lower slopes of the Sierra de la Laguna.
 +
* [[Sierra de la Laguna pine-oak forests]] are found at higher elevations in the Sierra de la Laguna.
  
 +
== See also ==
 +
* [[Spanish missions in California]]
  
−
==Notes==
+
== Notes ==
 
<div class="references-small">
 
<div class="references-small">
 
<references />
 
<references />
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
−
==References==
+
== Sources ==
−
* ''State Government of Baja California''. 2005. [http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/english/Our_State/history/the_transformation.jsp The Transformation of Baja California from North Territory to the 29th State]. Retrieved May 8, 2008.
+
*[http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/english/Our_State/histoy_menu.jsp Baja California State Government: History]
−
 
 
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
All links Retrieved May 8, 2008.
+
*[http://www.quepasabaja.com Baja News in English]
−
*{{es icon}} [http://www.e-local.gob.mx/wb2/ELOCAL/EMM_bajacalifornia  Estado de Baja California]. 
+
*[http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.619629,-113.664551&spn=10.437012,16.215820&t=k&hl=en Google maps]
−
 
+
*[http://www.baja.org Virtual Baja]
−
 
 
−
{{States of Mexico}}
 
  
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Geography]]
−
 
+
[[Category:Peninsulas]]
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{{credit|211088877}}
+
[[Category:The Americas]]

Revision as of 23:56, 9 May 2008
File:Baja peninsula (mexico) 250m.jpg
Satellite view of Baja California peninsula

The Baja California peninsula (English: Lower California peninsula) is a peninsula in North America in western Mexico. It extends some 1250 km (775 miles) from Mexicali, Baja California in the north to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur in the south, separating the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California (or "Sea of Cortés").

History

In the minds of European explorers California existed as an idea before it was 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."

Following Hernán Cortés conquest of Mexico, the lure of an earthly paradise as well as the search for the fabled Strait of Anián, helped motivate him to send several expeditions to the west coast of New Spain in the 1530s and early 1540s. The first expedition reached the Gulf of California and Baja California, and proved the Island of California was in fact a peninsula. Nevertheless, the idea of the island persisted for well over a century and was included in many maps. The Spaniards 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.

Partition

Photo of the marker

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 Palóu. 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, Baja California.

Translated into English, the inscription on the marker 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 the School of Tourism at U.A.B.C.(Autonomous University of Baja California).


Territory of Baja California

A former Spanish/Mexican territory since 1804 until 1931 and comprised the whole peninsula of Baja California.

Timeline

  • 1532: Hernán Cortés sends three ships north along the coast of Mexico in search of the Island of California. The three 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.
  • 1930: Baja California is further divided into Northern and Southern territories.
  • 1952: The North Territory of Baja California becomes the 29th state of Mexico, Baja California. The southern portion, below 28°N, remains a federally administered territory.
  • 1973: The 1700km (1060 miles) long Trans-Peninsular Highway (Mexican Federal Highway 1), is finished. It is the first paved road that spans the entire peninsula.[1] The highway was built by the Mexican government to improve Baja's economy and increase tourism.[2]
  • 1974: The South Territory of Baja California becomes the 31st state, Baja California Sur.

Political divisions

The peninsula is divided into two parts:

  • The northern part is the state of Baja California.[3] The citizens of Baja California are named Baja-Californiano (Lower-Californian in English).
  • The southern part, below 28° north, is the state of Baja California Sur. The citizens of Baja California Sur are named Sud-Californiano (South-Californian in English).

Geographic features

A series of mountain ranges runs the length of the peninsula, which are known as the Peninsular Ranges, and extend into Southern 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 facing the Gulf of California.

Geology

The Baja California peninsula was once a part of the North American Plate, the tectonic plate of which mainland Mexico remains a part. About 5 million years ago, the East Pacific Rise began cutting into the margin of the North American Plate, initiating the separation of the peninsula from it. Thereafter, the East Pacific Rise continued to propagate northward, up through what is now the Gulf of California. The propagating tip of the spreading center is now located somewhere in the Salton Sea basin. The Baja California peninsula is now part of the Pacific Plate and is moving with it away from the East Pacific Rise in a north northwestward direction. It is an ongoing example of a type of crustal block known as a terrane.

Ecoregions

The peninsula is home to several distinct ecoregions. Most of the peninsula is deserts and xeric shrublands, although pine-oak forests are found in the mountains at the northern and southern ends of the peninsula. The southern tip of the peninsula, which was formerly an island, has many species with affinities to tropical Mexico.

  • California chaparral and woodlands, which covers the Mediterranean climate northwestern corner of the peninsula, as well as Cedros and Guadalupe islands.
  • Sierra Juarez and San Pedro Martir pine-oak forests in the upper reaches of the Sierra Juárez and Sierra San Pedro Mártir ranges in the northern peninsula.
  • The Sonoran Desert extends into the northeastern portion of the state, east of the Sierra Juárez and Sierra San Pedro Mártir.
  • The Baja California Desert extends along the Pacific side of the peninsula for most of its length.
  • The Gulf of California xeric scrub extends along the Gulf of California side of the peninsula for most of its length.
  • San Lucan xeric scrub lies in the lowlands of the peninsula's southern tip.
  • Sierra de la Laguna dry forests are found on the lower slopes of the Sierra de la Laguna.
  • Sierra de la Laguna pine-oak forests are found at higher elevations in the Sierra de la Laguna.

See also

  • Spanish missions in California

Notes

  1. ↑ Baja Highway: Drive the Baja California Peninsula
  2. ↑ Barkenbus, Jack, The Trans-Peninsular Highway: A New Era for Baja California, Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs, Vol. 16, No. 3. (Aug., 1974), pp. 259-273.
  3. ↑ Baja California, it is sometimes informally referred to as Baja California Norte, to distinguish it from both the Baja California peninsula, of which it forms the northern half, and Baja California Sur, the adjacent state that covers the southern half of the peninsula. While it is a well-established term for the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, however, its usage would not be correct, because Baja California Norte has never existed as a political designation for a state, territory, district or region.

Sources

External links

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