1. The California Gold Rush began on February 15, 1848, when Mexican-American War veteran James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California. This event led to one of the largest human migrations in history as settlers flocked to California in search of fortune.

2. On February 15, 1898, the Battleship Maine, sent to protect American interests during the Cuban War of Independence, exploded in Havana Harbor, killing over two hundred American sailors. This event fueled tensions between the United States and Spain, eventually leading to the Spanish-American War.

3. California Governor Pete Wilson declared a state of emergency on February 15, 1995, due to the impacts of a severe earthquake that struck the city of Los Angeles just days earlier. The 6.8 magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage and disruption to the city’s infrastructure.

4. On February 15, 2000, the U.S. Navy announced plans to move the USS Iowa, one of the largest and most powerful battleships in American history, to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. The move was controversial, with critics raising concerns about the safety of having such a large vessel in a populated area.

5. California’s state flower, the California poppy, was adopted on February 15, 1903. The poppy was chosen for its bright orange color and prevalence in California’s countryside, and is a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and vitality. Today, the poppy is celebrated each year during the California Poppy Festival in Lancaster, California.