Reese Joseph Imhoff

Historical marker location:

Ladera Ranch, California

( Marker can be reached from Trabuco Creek Road, on the left when traveling south.)

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.