California's 162nd Birthday

Today is California Admission Day, the birthday of the State of California celebrated every September 9 commemorating the partnership between the California Republic and the United States of America.

162 years ago today, California was admitted to the Union, legally creating "The Golden State" following the Compromise of 1850 after the Mexican-American War ended by a bi-national treaty signed in L.A.

On September 9, 1850, California entered the Union as the 31st U.S. state, a 'free state' already full of immigrants from around the world.  Slavery was then and still is against the law in America's most culturally-diverse state.

The discovery of gold had made California extremely desirable to the U.S. government but, today, it's more about the state's $2 trillion economy and ability to invent comeback after comeback.

The first capitol city was San Jose, the second was Vallejo, the third was Benicia, and the fourth was Sacramento, where the California State Capitol stands today.

Governor Jerry Brown has issued a proclamation designating September 9, 2012 as California Admission Day in remembrance of our state's rich history and our first elected head of state, Governor Peter Burnett.

"The observance of Admission Day was once prominent in the civic life of our state and nation," said Governor Brown.  "In 1976, I vetoed a measure to remove the observance of Admission Day as a state holiday."

"In 1984, however, Governor Deukmejian signed legislation eliminating our traditional observance of Admission Day on September 9th in favor of a 'personal' holiday - convenient to some but in no way respectful of our storied founding," Brown continued.

"California's early history is too often neglected in schools and among our citizens," the governor emphasized.  "I call upon Californians to pause and celebrate Admission Day this year by reflecting on how it was that California became the 31st state."

Happy 162nd Birthday, California!