Historical Marker
Fort MacArthur / 500 Varas Square Historic District
Historical marker location:
San Pedro, California
( Marker is on South Pacific Avenue south of Meyler Road, on the right when traveling north.)
Port of Los Angeles.
The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci RodrÃguez 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.