It was formed from the 52nd Infantry Division, which had itself been activated in 1946 during the expansion of National Guard after the end of World War II.

The 52nd Infantry Division was activated on 15 August 1946, and was allocated to the State of California as a National Guard division during the post World War II demobilization.

The division was to be headquartered in the area of the "49'ers" of the California Gold Rush.

[citation needed] The change was approved by a National Guard Bureau Letter, CSNGB, dated 24 October 1947, Subject: "Change in Designation of 52d Infantry Division" and an Adjutant General Letter, AGAO-I 325 dated 20 October 1947, Subject: "Allotment of National Guard Units (California)".

The change was made retroactive to 5 August 1946, the formation of the original 52nd Infantry Division.