Rankin Building

Historical marker location:

736 Main Street, Martinez, California

( Marker is on Main Street near Ferry Street, on the left when traveling west.)

Marker installed: 1990

The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.