1. In 1846, Iowa-born John C. Frémont arrived in Monterey in Alta California and declared himself military governor of California. This led to the Bear Flag Revolt and ultimately the formation of the California Republic.

2. In 1869, the first shipment of oranges from Southern California arrived in San Francisco, marking the beginning of the citrus industry in the state.

3. In 1895, the first American automobile race took place in California, from Pasadena to Los Angeles. The race was won by J. Frank Duryea in a gasoline-powered car.

4. In 1917, the San Francisco Municipal Railway began service. The system initially operated streetcars and cable cars, and eventually evolved into a network of buses, light rail, and subway trains.

5. In 1973, American Indian activist Russell Means led a group of protesters in occupying the town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in an attempt to draw attention to injustices faced by Native Americans. The occupation continued until May of 1973, and became a pivotal moment in the modern American Indian rights movement.