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Explore California History

A black and white line art drawing of a bear hugging the outline of the state of California with the number 175 printed on the State.

“There’s only the American Dream and the California dream.”
—Gov. Gavin Newsom

This year marks the 175th anniversary of California’s admission to the U.S. as the 31st state. But statehood wasn’t the beginning of the story. Celebrating California is a collection of 175 stories that highlight California’s unique history and role in the world. The goal is to offer examples of California’s unique character and that of its residents, past and present. That means among the good there will be some bad. For every success story, there’s a failure, a tragedy, an injustice. It’s from these mistakes that we learn and grow stronger together. Share a story with us that helps define what California means to you.

San Francisco’s First “Great Quake”

San Francisco’s “Great Quake” – at least until the 7.8 magnitude…

California Learns It’s the 31st State – 40 Days After the Fact

Semi-Centennial Admission Day Celebration 1850-1900 [2007-0127], California State Library Although Congress concludes extended and acrimonious debate that brings California into…