1. On August 20, 1890, the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove were granted protection and became part of the Yosemite National Park. Today, the park spans over 1,200 square miles and attracts millions of visitors every year.
2. The first recorded flight of a seaplane in North America took place on August 20, 1912, in San Diego. Glenn H. Curtiss, an aviation pioneer, flew his hydro-aeroplane, and this event fueled the growth of military and civilian aviation in the region.
3. August 20, 1973, marks the day when the California State Prison, Solano, opened in Vacaville. The facility is designed to house medium-security and nonviolent offenders and has been instrumental in California's rehabilitation facilities for inmates.
4. Actress and activist Hedy Lamarr, famous for her role in the film "Samson and Delilah," passed away on August 20, 2000, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She was born in Austria, but she lived in California for most of her life and made significant contributions to the field of radio communication, leading to the development of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology.
5. On August 20, 2018, a wildfire broke out in Holy Jim Canyon in the Cleveland National Forest, Orange County, California. The fire, known as the Holy Fire, destroyed over 23,000 acres, damaged or destroyed 18 structures, and led to the evacuation of over 21,000 people. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of wildfires in California, especially during the hot and dry summer months.
5 Fun Facts About August 20 In California History
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