California's Strange Monopoly on Famous Valleys

When you think of valleys that are world-famous, what comes to mind?

In America, the list would probably include:

• Death Valley
• Hidden Valley (the birthplace of ranch dressing)
• Napa Valley
• Silicon Valley
• "The Valley" (San Fernando)

What do they have in common? They're all in California.

No other state has a valley with the same name recognition (yes, the Grand Canyon is technically a valley, but I mean ones with "valley" in the name).

Oregon's Willamette Valley really isn't up there, and neither is New York's Hudson Valley. I was born in Western Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley, but I'm pretty sure even people in Boston couldn't tell you where that is.

What's the reason for California's dominance? Our topography is a factor, no doubt. California is a big state with lots of hills and dales.

But most of our famous valleys are also synonymous with a product. That helps make them memorable. Napa = wine; Silicon Valley = technology; San Fernando = porn.

So buck up, Californians. Our economy and state budget may be in tatters, but when it comes to valleys, we RULE.