On the shore of the San Francisco Bay, the small city of Berkeley is located. Among the cities of America, among which are the largest megacities of the world, Berkeley in terms of population takes the honorable 234th place. But he is known not only in the USA, but also in the world. This was due to the University of California campus (campus) located here, one of the most prestigious and respected in the world.
Beginning of the Berkeley Story
The foundation of the city was due to the Spanish expedition of the traveler de Anse, exploring central and southern California. This seafarer is known for the fact that his name is closely connected with one of the most beautiful cities in the USA - San Francisco. It was he who chose his location.
The lands where Berkeley is now located were bestowed by the King of Spain on a simple ordinary army, Luis Peralte, who built the San Antonio ranch and raised cattle. He had four sons, and by will his land was divided between them. In the areas inherited by his two sons, Vicente and Domingo, modern Berkeley appeared. The city did not forget about the founders, immortalizing their names in street names - Vicente Road, Domingo Avenue and Peralte Avenue.
US affiliation
During the war of Mexico for its independence, the Spanish colony of Upper California, in whose territory the ranch was located, became part of this state. During the war between the United States and Mexico (1846–1848), California became part of the United States. Immediately after the war, gold was discovered in these places.
So it would be the San Antonio ranch on the site of the modern city of Berkeley, but the gold rush began. "Wild" prospectors began to come here from all over America, who washed gold on the land of Vicenta and Domingo Peralte. The calm life is over. Prospectors began to plow the areas on which they searched and found gold, and also claimed to transfer them to property. The court found their claims fair.
Education Berkeley
The settlers formed a village, which in 1878 turned into a small town. Gold has run out, but most of the "wealth seekers" have settled in these places. The administrative division of the country was formed at the end of the XIX century, according to him the center of the state of California is San Francisco, located 16 kilometers from Berkeley. The ambitious residents of the city claimed leadership in the state, even a referendum was held. But according to him, the beautiful state of San Francisco is recognized as the state capital. Berkeley entered Alamida County, whose center was Auckland, California's third-largest city.
In 1866, a California private college opened in the city. Its founder is the priest Henry Durant. In addition, the State College of Agriculture operated in Berkeley, California, as it was an agricultural area. In 1868, both educational institutions were merged into the University of California, after a while it became one of the most prestigious in the USA, and after the 40s - in the world. This predetermined the fate of Berkeley. It has become a university city and a scientific center.
City development
Thanks to the university, the city developed rapidly. Prior to Auckland, the progenitor of public transport began to walk - the horse. This is a kind of horse drawn tram. In 1870, the first transcontinental railway of the United States was stretched to Auckland. The city of Berkeley became the owner of the railway station after six years. This greatly accelerated the development of the city. Towards the end of the century, he received electric lighting, followed by a telephone; instead of horse-drawn trams, electric trams began to ride around the city
After the earthquake that destroyed San Francisco, thousands of refugees arrived in Berkeley. Its population has increased dramatically. The university campus attached importance to the city, which was becoming increasingly important. It was he who allowed him to survive in the Great Depression, but the Exchange crash that occurred in 1929, for a long time slowed down the growth of the city of Berkeley. The country was going through a difficult period.
University of California
Berkeley, which has long become the US science center, is considered the most liberal city. And not surprisingly, after all, many young people live here. It houses the Lawrence Laboratory building, institutes, libraries, research centers. It was Berkeley who played a large role in creating the first atomic and hydrogen bomb. Many scientists working at the university, for scientific discoveries, especially in the field of physics and chemistry, have the title of Nobel Prize winners. In the field of scientific activity, most of the inhabitants of the city are engaged. This is a city of young people.
In addition, Berkeley is located on the shores of the Bay of San Francisco, where there are many beautiful places that are visited annually by thousands of tourists from all over the world. The architecture of the city is a mixture of different styles, which gives it a unique flavor. There is a lot of entertainment. The city is shrouded in a peculiar atmosphere of students.