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Why is Baja called Baja, California when it is in fact in Mexico?

Question #85352. Asked by oviphagy.

ak2 star
Answer has 9 votes
Currently Best Answer
ak2 star
17 year member
103 replies

Answer has 9 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
"California originally referred to the entire region composed of the Mexican peninsula now known as Baja California and land in the current U.S. states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming, which was eventually distinguished as Alta California."

So originally there was Alta California and Baja California - Baja went to Mexico, Alta to the US, and the "Alta" was dropped from the name of the northern area. Also, Alta California covered a much larger area than the modern state of California.

More here:

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_the_name_California

Sep 04 2007, 12:10 PM
Okiedokie831
Answer has 5 votes
Okiedokie831

Answer has 5 votes.
California was originally part of Mexico. "Baja" California is "Below" California

Sep 04 2007, 1:43 PM
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