Today In History
5 Fun Facts About February 16 In California History
1. 1872: The first electrically powered streetcar made its debut in San Francisco, California. The streetcar was an important transportation innovation that helped shape the city's mobility system. 2. 1937: The groundbreaking ceremony for the Golden Gate Bridge took place in San Francisco. The bridge was completed in 1938 and...
5 Fun Facts About December 28 In California History
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,...
5 Fun Facts About November 16 In California History
1. On November 16, 1849, the first California state constitutional convention convened in Monterey. The constitution that they drafted was eventually ratified in 1850, making California the 31st state in the United States. 2. In 1914, the first freight and passenger train crossed the newly-built Panama Canal Railroad, connecting the...
5 Fun Facts About October 24 In California History
1. On October 24, 1929, just five days after "Black Thursday" triggered the Great Depression, the California State Legislature convened a special session to address the economic crisis. Many businesses and residents in California were also severely impacted by the stock market crash and subsequent economic downturn. 2. In 1962,...
5 Fun Facts About August 6 In California History
1. On August 6, 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel, setting a new record of 14 hours and 31 minutes. Ederle was raised in New York but trained extensively on California's Catalina Island, where she developed her endurance and strength. 2. In 1945,...
5 Fun Facts About July 2 In California History
1. On July 2, 1849, California was officially classified as a state within the United States. The state had been under military control since the Mexican-American War ended in 1848, and it was not until the adoption of the state constitution that California became a state. 2. The San Francisco...
5 Fun Facts About June 18 In California History
1. In 1859, the first public school in San Francisco opened its doors. Called the Denman School, it provided a free education to children of all backgrounds and laid the foundation for the city's public school system. 2. On June 18, 1942, the U.S. Navy established the Naval Construction Training...
5 Fun Facts About May 20 In California History
1. On May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed at San Diego's Rockwell Field after completing the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight. Lindbergh's historic flight from New York to Paris made him an international hero and inspired numerous aviation advancements. 2. The California State Capitol in Sacramento was dedicated on May...
5 Fun Facts About May 15 In California History
1. In 1851, the first Californian state constitutional convention was held in Monterey. Over 150 delegates gathered to create a document that would guide California as it transitioned from territory to statehood. The resulting constitution was ratified by the people and became the state's governing document until it was replaced...
5 Fun Facts About April 29 In California History
1. In 1850, the California State Legislature established the State Geological Survey, which later became the California Geological Survey. This government agency is responsible for mapping and assessing California's geology, mineral resources, and seismic hazards. 2. In 1945, the state's first medical school, the University of California, San Francisco School...
5 Fun Facts About March 23 In California History
1. In 1769, the Portola Expedition reached the area that would later become Monterey, California. This was the first documented European exploration of California. 2. In 1850, the California State Legislature established the city of Sacramento as the state capital. It had previously been a bustling commercial center during the...
5 Fun Facts About March 16 In California History
1. In 1850, the California State Legislature officially established the county of Sacramento, one of the original 27 counties of California. 2. In 1881, the California State Assembly passed a bill to create the University of California, which would later become one of the world's top public research universities. 3....