Sikhs traveled to America from India beginning in the late 1800s in search of democracy and opportunities to work hard to support their families. Today, there are approximately half a million Sikh Americans, most of whom live in major cities along the east and west coasts in states like New York and California. There are more than 300 gurdwaras, Sikh houses of worship, in the United States, situated in big cities like Los Angeles and small rural farming towns alike. Sikh Americans have made major contributions to society, from heroic military service to civic leadership and scientific advancements.