1) In mid-19th century California, much of the land was claimed privately, leaving little for growth, and land titles switched from Mexican to American ownership as claims were validated. 2) California's capital moved between several cities before being established in Sacramento, and higher education institutions and religious buildings were established as the population grew. 3) The Transcontinental Railroad was constructed in the 1860s to link California with the rest of the country, employing many Chinese immigrant laborers.