Ferndale Museum

Historical marker location:

515 Shaw Ave, Ferndale, California

( Marker is at the intersection of Shaw Avenue and 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west on Shaw Avenue.)

Marker installed: 1981

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.