Big Oak Flat

Historical marker location:

Big Oak Flat, California

( Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 120 and Vassar Street, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 120.)

Marker installed: 1949

Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail.

California was once a part of Mexico before it became a U.S. state. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 and California became a Mexican territory. However, in 1846, the U.S. declared war on Mexico and after a brief conflict, California was ceded to the U.S. as a part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.