History of California, USA

1825 - Mexico takes control in California
In 1825, Mexico, having gained independence from Spain in 1821, took control of California as part of its efforts to establish governance over its newly acquired territories. This event marked a significant shift in California's political landscape, transitioning from Spanish colonial rule to Mexican sovereignty.

Under Mexican control, California saw changes in administration, land policies, and cultural influences. Mexican authorities implemented new laws, such as secularization of missions and land distribution to Mexican citizens, which had lasting effects on the region. Mexican control also brought increased trade and interactions with other parts of Mexico and the broader world, contributing to California's evolving identity and its integration into the wider Mexican state. This period set the stage for further changes and eventual transformation when California became part of the United States in 1848, following the Mexican-American War.
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996

1827 - First American, Jedediah Smith, struggles overland to California
In 1827, Jedediah Smith, a bold American explorer, embarked on a daring overland journey to California, marking a significant milestone in Western exploration. Smith, renowned for his resilience and courage, faced numerous challenges as he traversed the rugged terrain and harsh conditions of the American West. His expedition was not just a quest for discovery but also a test of endurance and survival.

Traveling through uncharted territories and facing hostile encounters with Native American tribes, Smith and his small party pushed on, determined to reach their destination. The journey was arduous, with the group enduring hunger, thirst, and the constant threat of attack. Despite these hardships, Smith's expedition was a triumph, showcasing the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized the American West in the 19th century.
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996

1846 - Eighty-seven pioneers were trapped by early snows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains that piled five feet deep, with 30 to 40 foot drifts. Just 47 persons survived the "Donner Pass Tragedy".

In 1846, a group of eighty-seven pioneers, known as the Donner Party, embarked on a journey from Illinois to California in hopes of a better life. However, they faced unforeseen challenges when they became trapped by early snows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The snow piled five feet deep, with drifts reaching thirty to forty feet, making it impossible for the pioneers to continue their journey.

As supplies dwindled and temperatures plummeted, the pioneers faced a desperate struggle for survival. Some resorted to eating their horses and dogs, while others scavenged for roots and bark. Despite efforts to send out rescue parties, only forty-seven of the original eighty-seven members of the Donner Party survived the harsh winter in what became known as the Donner Pass Tragedy. The ordeal of the Donner Party serves as a harrowing reminder of the hardships faced by pioneers in their quest for a new life in the American West.
The Weather Channel

1848 - January 24 – California Gold Rush: James W. Marshall finds gold at Sutter's Mill, in Coloma, California.
Many people in California figured gold was there, but it was James W. Marshall on January 24, 1848, who saw something shiny in Sutter Creek near Coloma, California. He had discovered gold unexpectedly while overseeing construction of a sawmill on the American River.

Another builder, James S. Brown, heard Marshall say, "Boys, I have got her now." Brown stepped over to Marshall, who held his hat in his hand. There in the hat were 10 or 12 pieces of gold.

People had made false claims before that they had discovered gold, so it wasn't until December of 1848, when President James Polk backed up the discovery, that the Gold Rush began.

The thought of becoming rich from picking up gold nuggets from the ground was like hoping to win the lottery! In 1849, prospectors came from everywhere to try to make their fortunes. They became known as the "forty-niners." More than 100,000 people arrived in California, but the gold was harder to find than people realized. A few made a small... Read MORE...

1848 - California became U. S. property with Treaty of Guadalupe
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, marked a significant milestone in American history, as it concluded the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico ceded a vast portion of its northern territories to the United States, which included present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. This monumental land acquisition, often referred to as the Mexican Cession, expanded the U.S. by roughly 525,000 square miles, fundamentally reshaping the nation's geographical and political landscape.

California's transition to U.S. property was particularly notable due to its burgeoning economic potential, especially with the onset of the California Gold Rush in 1849. The influx of settlers and the rapid economic development that followed transformed California into a pivotal region within the United States. The treaty also included provisions to protect the property rights and cultural heritage of the ... Read MORE...

1850 - California became 31st state

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1851 - March 27 – The first white men reportedly see Yosemite Valley.
In 1851, on March 27th, a pivotal moment in American history occurred when the first white men are said to have laid eyes on the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite Valley. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the exploration and appreciation of the natural wonders of the American West. The men who first witnessed this awe-inspiring landscape were likely amazed by the towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and lush forests that make Yosemite Valley a unique and stunning destination.

This event also symbolizes the broader context of westward expansion and exploration in the mid-19th century. As pioneers and settlers moved across the continent, they encountered landscapes and cultures that were entirely new to them, leading to a greater appreciation and understanding of the diversity of the American continent.
March 27, 1851

1856 - January 8 – Borax deposits are discovered in large quantities by John Veatch in California.
In January 1856, John Veatch, an American prospector, made a significant discovery in California that would impact mining and industry for years to come. While searching for gold, Veatch stumbled upon large deposits of borax, a mineral compound used for various industrial purposes. Borax was particularly valuable at the time for its role in metallurgy, ceramics, and as a cleaning agent.

Veatch's discovery sparked a rush of prospectors and miners to the area, eager to capitalize on the newfound resource. This discovery led to the development of large-scale borax mining operations in California, contributing to the state's reputation as a hub for mineral resources. The demand for borax continued to grow, eventually leading to the establishment of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, which became a major player in the borax industry.
January 8, 1856

1857 - January 9 – Fort Tejon earthquake: An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 strikes near Parkfield, California.
The Fort Tejon earthquake of 1857 was one of the largest recorded earthquakes in California's history, with an estimated magnitude of 7.9. It struck near Parkfield, a small town located in central California. The earthquake occurred on January 9 and was felt over a large area, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The earthquake caused significant damage, particularly to buildings and infrastructure in the affected areas. It also triggered landslides and ground fissures. The impact was felt for hundreds of miles, with reports of shaking felt as far away as central Nevada and the southern part of the state. Despite its size, the earthquake caused relatively few casualties, likely due to the sparsely populated nature of the region at that time.
January 9,1857

1860 - February 26 – White settlers massacre a band of Wiyot Indians on Indian Island near Eureka, California. At least 60 women, children and elders are killed.
On February 26, 1860, a tragic event unfolded on Indian Island near Eureka, California, when a group of white settlers massacred a band of Wiyot Indians. This brutal attack resulted in the deaths of at least 60 women, children, and elders, marking one of the darkest chapters in the history of indigenous peoples in the region. The Wiyot people, who had inhabited the area for thousands of years, were subjected to this horrific act of violence that devastated their community and left a lasting scar on their culture.

The massacre on Indian Island was not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of violence and dispossession faced by indigenous peoples during the westward expansion of the United States. It serves as a grim reminder of the injustices and atrocities committed against Native American tribes throughout history.
February 26, 1860

1865 - July 30 – The steamer Brother Jonathan sinks off the California coast, killing 225.
The sinking of the steamer Brother Jonathan on July 30, 1865, off the coast of California stands as one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the region's history. Carrying 244 passengers and crew, the ship was en route from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon, when it encountered rough seas and dense fog near Crescent City. The treacherous conditions led the vessel to strike an uncharted rock, causing catastrophic damage that quickly sank the ship.

The tragic event resulted in the loss of 225 lives, with only 19 survivors. The Brother Jonathan was known for its luxurious accommodations and was a popular choice for travelers heading north to Oregon and Washington during the Gold Rush era. The sinking led to improved maritime safety measures, including better charting of coastal waters and the establishment of lighthouses to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
July 30, 1865

1868 - Sixty thousand Chinamen live in California.
Of these, about 10,000 are employed on the Central Pacific Railroad, and 4,000 manage to find work in San Francisco. The mines give employment to a large number, and the rest are scattered throughout the State.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 11, 1868

1869 - California proposes to hold a World's Fair in 1870, and the Pacific railroad agrees to carry passengers at half fare.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 30, 1869

1872 - March 26 – An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.2 strikes Lone Pine, California.
On March 26, 1872, a significant earthquake shook the town of Lone Pine, California, leaving a lasting impact on the region. With an estimated magnitude of 7.2, the quake caused widespread destruction, particularly to the town's adobe buildings, which were not structurally equipped to withstand such a powerful tremor. The quake's effects were felt across a large area, causing damage as far away as San Francisco and Sacramento.
March 26, 1872

1878 - July 26 – In California, the poet and American West outlaw calling himself "Black Bart" makes his last clean getaway when he steals a safe box from a Wells Fargo stagecoach. The empty box is found later with a taunting poem inside.
In 1878, on July 26th, the notorious American West outlaw known as "Black Bart" pulled off his final successful heist in California, marking the end of his elusive criminal career. Black Bart, whose real identity remains a mystery, targeted a Wells Fargo stagecoach, a common target for bandits due to the valuable cargo it transported. On this occasion, Black Bart managed to steal a safe box from the stagecoach, which later turned out to be empty. However, what made this robbery particularly memorable was the taunting poem left behind by Black Bart inside the empty safe, showcasing his clever and flamboyant style.

This event further added to the legend of Black Bart, who was known for his unique approach to banditry, often leaving behind witty and poetic messages at the scenes of his crimes. Despite his criminal activities, Black Bart was seen as a sort of gentleman bandit, as he never harmed anyone during his robberies and was known for his polite demeanor. The mystery surrounding... Read MORE...

1890 - Yosemite National Park created
On this day in 1890, an act of Congress creates Yosemite National Park, home of such natural wonders as Half Dome and the giant sequoia trees. Environmental trailblazer John Muir (1838-1914) and his colleagues campaigned for the congressional action, which was signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison and paved the way for generations of hikers, campers and nature lovers, along with countless “Don’t Feed the Bears” signs.
www.history.com
October 1, 1890

1895 - California
California, kal-e-for'ne-a, a state of the American Union, bordering on the Pacific, is bounded N. by Oregon, E. by Nevada and Arizona, S. by Mexico (Lower California), and W. by the Pacific Ocean, its N. and S. limits being the parallels 32° 28' and 42 N. lat. The Colorado of the West washes the southernmost portion of its E. boundary, dividing it from Arizona; and its sea-coast has a general N.W. and S.E. trend. Area, 158,360 square miles, more than equal to the areas of New England, New York, and Pennsylvania combined. Capital, Sacramento...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1900 - Oil discovered along Kern River
In 1900, a pivotal moment occurred in the history of California's oil industry with the discovery of oil along the Kern River. This event marked the beginning of the state's modern oil industry and played a significant role in shaping its economy and development. The discovery was made by explorers who noticed oil seeping out of the ground near the river, leading to further exploration and the establishment of oil drilling operations in the area.

The Kern River oil discovery was a turning point not only for California but also for the global oil industry. It sparked a rush of exploration and drilling in the region, leading to the development of new technologies and practices that would revolutionize the oil industry. The discovery also had a profound impact on the local economy, attracting investment and creating jobs, while also raising environmental concerns due to the potential for pollution from oil drilling activities
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1900 - Water
Boiled water or distilled water should not be used either by grown people or children unless there is danger from contamination from the water in ordinary use. Pure cold water Is preferable. A child may be given a glass of cool (never ice) water the first thing in the morning - say half an hour before breakfast, and may also take a glass on retiring.
Amador Ledger
Jackson, California
Fri., December 7, 1900

1907 - July 21 – The SS Columbia sinks after colliding with the lumber schooner San Pedro off Shelter Cove, California, U.S.A., resulting in 88 deaths.
On July 21, 1907, a tragic maritime disaster occurred off the coast of Shelter Cove, California, when the SS Columbia, a passenger steamship, collided with the lumber schooner San Pedro. The collision resulted in the sinking of the SS Columbia and the loss of 88 lives. The SS Columbia was a well-known vessel that operated along the west coast of the United States, primarily transporting passengers and cargo between San Francisco and Portland. The exact cause of the collision remains unclear, but it was likely due to a combination of factors such as poor visibility, navigational errors, or miscommunication between the two vessels.
July 21, 1907

January 31, 1911 - Tamarack, CA, was without snow the first eight days of the month, but by the end of January had been buried under 390 inches of snow, a record monthly total for the U.S.

The Weather Channel
January 31, 1911

1913 - July 10 - The mercury hit 134 degrees at Greenland Ranch in Death Valley, CA, the hottest reading of record for the North American continent.
Sandstorm conditions accompanied the heat. The high the previous day was 129 degrees, following a morning low of 93 degrees.
The Weather Channel
July 10, 1913

1923 - September 17 – Berkeley Fire: A major fire in Berkeley, California, erupts, consuming some 640 structures, including 584 homes in the densely built neighborhoods north of the campus of the University of California.
On September 17, 1923, a devastating fire broke out in Berkeley, California, wreaking havoc on the city. The fire quickly spread through the densely populated neighborhoods north of the University of California campus, consuming a total of 640 structures. Among these were 584 homes, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The fire's intensity was fueled by the densely built nature of the area, with structures packed closely together, providing ample fuel for the flames to spread rapidly.

The Berkeley Fire of 1923 was a tragic event that left a lasting impact on the community. It resulted in significant property damage and displacement of residents, many of whom lost their homes and belongings.
September 17, 1923

1923 - October 16 - Roy and Walt Disney found The Walt Disney Company.
On October 16, 1923, brothers Roy O. Disney and Walt Disney founded The Walt Disney Company, initially known as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. The company was founded in Los Angeles, California, and started as a small animation studio. Walt Disney, a talented animator and storyteller, was the creative force behind the company, while Roy Disney handled the business aspects.

The Walt Disney Company started by producing a series of short films, most notably the "Alice Comedies," which combined live-action with animation. Over the years, the company grew rapidly, producing groundbreaking animated films such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937, which was the first full-length animated feature film. The company continued to expand its offerings, branching out into television with shows like "The Mickey Mouse Club" and "Disneyland." Today, The Walt Disney Company is one of the largest and most successful entertainment conglomerates in the world, encompassing film studios,... Read MORE...

1928 - March 28 - In California, the St. Francis Dam north of Los Angeles fails, killing 600.
On March 28, 1928, one of the worst civil engineering disasters in the history of the United States occurred with the failure of the St. Francis Dam in California. The dam, located north of Los Angeles, collapsed just before midnight, sending approximately 12 billion gallons of water rushing down the Santa Clara River Valley. The resulting flood swept through the valley, destroying everything in its path and claiming the lives of an estimated 600 people.

The failure of the St. Francis Dam was attributed to design and construction flaws, as well as inadequate inspections. The disaster led to significant changes in dam engineering practices and regulations in the United States. It also had a profound impact on the communities in the Santa Clara River Valley, many of which were devastated by the flood.
March 28, 1928

January 19, 1933 - Giant Forest CA received 60 inches of snow in just 24 hours, a state record, and the second highest 24 hour total of record for the U.S.

WeatherForYou.com
January 19, 1933

February 23, 1936 - A severe blizzard in the Sierra Nevada Range closed Donner Pass. It stranded 750 motorists and claimed seven lives.

WeatherForYou.com
February 23, 1936

1936 - November 12 – In California, the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opens to traffic.
On November 12, 1936, a significant milestone in engineering and transportation history was achieved with the opening of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in California. This iconic bridge, spanning over 4 miles, connected San Francisco with the East Bay, specifically Oakland. It was a monumental feat of engineering, showcasing the ingenuity and progressiveness of the time.

The opening of the Bay Bridge marked a new era of connectivity and accessibility between San Francisco and its neighboring cities. Prior to its construction, crossing the bay often involved lengthy ferry rides, which were not only time-consuming but also limited in capacity and efficiency. The Bay Bridge revolutionized travel in the region, providing a vital link for commuters, tourists, and businesses alike.
November 12, 1936

1939 - August 15 – MGM's classic musical film The Wizard of Oz, based on L. Frank Baum's famous novel, and starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
In 1939, one of the most iconic films in cinematic history, The Wizard of Oz, premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. This MGM classic, based on L. Frank Baum's beloved novel, follows the adventures of Dorothy, played by Judy Garland, as she is swept away from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. The film is renowned for its innovative use of Technicolor, which brought the vibrant world of Oz to life in a way never seen before.

The premiere of The Wizard of Oz was a star-studded event, attended by Hollywood's elite and showcasing the film's groundbreaking special effects and memorable musical numbers. Despite initial lukewarm box office reception, the film would go on to become a cultural phenomenon, beloved by generations for its timeless story, unforgettable characters, and classic songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
August 15, 1939

1941 - May 6 – At California's March Field, entertainer Bob Hope performs his first USO Show.
On May 6, 1941, at California's March Field, entertainer Bob Hope performed his first USO Show, marking the beginning of a long and storied tradition of entertaining American troops stationed around the world. The United Service Organizations (USO) had been established in 1941, just prior to the United States' entry into World War II, with the aim of boosting morale among American service members.

Bob Hope's involvement with the USO became legendary, as he went on to entertain troops in numerous conflicts over the decades that followed. His performances became a staple of American military life, bringing laughter and a taste of home to soldiers stationed far from their families and facing the hardships of war. The USO Shows became a symbol of the American entertainment industry's support for the troops, and Bob Hope's dedication to this cause made him a beloved figure among service members and civilians alike.
May 6, 1941

1942 - Japanese Americans relocated to U.S. concentration camps; Japanese submarine shelled an oil field near Goleta.

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1949 - November 24 – The ski resort in Squaw Valley, California officially opens.
On November 24, 1949, the Squaw Valley ski resort in California officially opened, marking a significant milestone in the development of winter sports on the West Coast. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range near Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley was the brainchild of Alexander Cushing, who envisioned transforming the picturesque landscape into a premier skiing destination. The opening of the resort featured a range of modern facilities and ski lifts, attracting skiing enthusiasts and putting Squaw Valley on the map as a top destination for winter sports.

The significance of Squaw Valley would be further underscored a decade later when it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. This event not only elevated the resort's status internationally but also spurred further development and innovation in skiing infrastructure and amenities.
November 24, 1949

February 13th to 19th, 1959 - Some of the higher elevations of California were in the midst of a five day storm which produced 189 inches of snow, a single storm record for North America.

WeatherForYou.com

1963 - December 24 - No Elves Needed
HAWTHORE, Calif. (AP) - Now they're putting out a toy that makes toys.

A manufacturer here is introducing a miniature plastic-producing factory. Sheets of plastic furnished with the kit are softened and then molded into airplanes, boats, cars, jewelry and other playthings. Various molds are included, as well as clay for creating original molds.
The Morning Record
Meriden, Connecticut
December 24, 1963

1969 - California adopts the nation’s first “no fault” divorce law, allowing divorce by mutual consent.

nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

1969 - Native Americans occupied Alcatraz Island
In November 1969, a group of Native American activists, primarily from the United Bay Area Native Council, began an occupation of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. This protest was led by a group known as the Indians of All Tribes, aiming to reclaim the land under the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), which they argued entitled them to unused federal land. The occupation, which lasted for 19 months, was a powerful statement against the government's long history of broken treaties and poor treatment of Native American tribes.

The activists, including notable leaders like Richard Oakes and LaNada Means, sought to establish a cultural center and university on the island. Although the federal government eventually removed the occupants in June 1971, the occupation succeeded in drawing national attention to Native American issues, fostering a renewed sense of unity and identity among Native Americans, and sparking further activism. The event remains a pivotal moment in Native American... Read MORE...

1970 - September 30 - A nineteen month drought in southern California came to a climax.
The drought, which made brush and buildings tinder dry, set up the worst fire conditions in California history as hot Santa Anna winds sent the temperature soaring to 105 degrees at Los Angeles, and to 97 degrees at San Diego. During that last week of September whole communities of interior San Diego County were consumed by fire. Half a million acres were burned, and the fires caused fifty million dollars damage.
WeatherForYou.com
September 30, 1970

California has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Golden State:
1. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco: This iconic red suspension bridge is a must-see attraction in San Francisco. You can walk or bike across it for breathtaking views of the city and the bay.

2. Explore Yosemite National Park: Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite offers stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities for camping and rock climbing. Don't miss the famous El Capitan and Half Dome rock formations.

3. Relax on the beaches of Malibu: Malibu is known for its beautiful coastline, where you can surf, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the stunning Pacific Ocean views.

4. Tour the wine country in Napa Valley: Wine enthusiasts will love exploring the vineyards and tasting rooms in Napa Valley. It's a perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

5. Hike in Joshua Tree National Park: This unique desert park is famous for its otherworldly landscapes, rock formations, and, of course, Joshua trees. It's a prime spot for stargazing, too.

6.... Read MORE...