Historical Marker
Los Banos
Historical marker location:
803 East Pacheco Boulevard, Los Banos, California
( Marker is on East Pacheco Boulevard (California Route 33/152) west of 9th Street, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1957
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.