Today In History
5 Fun Facts About January 31 In California History
1. Alcatraz Island was officially designated as a prison on January 31st, 1934. Known as "The Rock," Alcatraz was a maximum-security federal penitentiary that housed famous criminals such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. 2. On January 31st, 1848, gold was discovered in California. The discovery set off...
5 Fun Facts About January 30 In California History
1. On January 30, 1847, the first steam-powered ferryboat in California, the "California," began operating between San Francisco and Oakland. The ferry was a significant development in California's transportation infrastructure, as it allowed for faster and more efficient movement of goods and people across the bay. 2. The California State...
5 Fun Facts About January 29 In California History
1. On January 29, 1847, during the Mexican-American War, the Battle of La Mesa was fought just outside of present-day Los Angeles. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the United States. 2. In 1861, the first Yosemite Grant was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, protecting the Yosemite Valley...
5 Fun Facts About January 28 In California History
1. The first commercial oil well in California was drilled on January 28, 1865, in Pico Canyon. The oil discovery led to the formation of the petroleum industry in California, which has played a significant role in the state's economy over the years. 2. On January 28, 1915, a massive...
5 Fun Facts About January 27 In California History
1. On January 27, 1891, Charles McPherson opened the first movie theater in Los Angeles. It was called the Grand Opera House and showed 10-minute long silent films. This marked the beginning of the movie industry in California. 2. In 1973, on January 27, the iconic rock band the Grateful...
5 Fun Facts About January 26 In California History
1. In 1781, the El Pueblo de Los Angeles was founded. This settlement would later become the present-day city of Los Angeles. 2. January 26, 1847 marked the end of the Mexican-American War in California with the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga. This treaty recognized California as a part...
5 Fun Facts About January 25 In California History
1. On January 25, 1915, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition opened in San Francisco. This world’s fair celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal, showcased the latest technology and industry, and helped rebuild the city after the devastating 1906 earthquake. 2. In 1967, a major storm hit Southern California on January...
5 Fun Facts About January 24 In California History
1. The California Gold Rush officially began on January 24, 1848, when James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma. 2. On January 24, 1935, the popular board game Monopoly was first introduced to the world by Parker Brothers in San Francisco, California. 3. The Rose Bowl Game,...
5 Fun Facts About January 23 In California History
1. On January 23, 1847, the Battle of La Mesa took place during the Mexican-American War. American forces, led by General Stephen W. Kearny, defeated Mexican forces, securing California for the United States. 2. January 23, 1957 marked the beginning of the Whittier Narrows earthquake swarm, a series of earthquakes...
5 Fun Facts About January 22 In California History
1. In 1901, the first tournament of roses football game was held in Pasadena, California. The game became a New Year's Day tradition and helped promote Pasadena as a travel destination. 2. In 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy visited Delano, California, to show his support for the United Farm Workers...
5 Fun Facts About January 21 In California History
1. In 1847, the first organized post office in the state of California opened in San Francisco, on January 21. It was located in a small wooden building and only operated for a few hours each day. 2. January 21, 1972, marked a historically significant moment in California as the...
5 Fun Facts About January 20 In California History
1. In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. This event is considered the start of the California Gold Rush, which brought thousands of people to the state in search of wealth. 2. In 1929, the first Inaugural Ball was held for a California governor. James Rolph...