California Admission Day is celebrated annually on September 9. It commemorates the day when California was admitted into the Union as the 31st state in 1850 after it was ceded to the United States by Mexico in 1848.
And it happened because of the American-Mexican war in which Mexico lost a huge amount of territory to the United States and in that territory California had a huge part. California also became one of the first state to become a state without being an organized territory at first.
This day is not a federal holiday so no public holiday is given on this day to citizens. But it is an important regional holiday which celebrates the California admission into the United States.
| Event | California Admission Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 9, 2022 |
| Day | Friday |
| Significance | The day commemorates the admission of California as the 31st state in 1850 |
| Observed by | United States |
California Admission Day History:
The Mexican-American War began in May 1846 when the U.S. declared war on Mexico. It was initially started as dispute over controlling Texas as earlier Texas succeeded from Mexico and even remained independent for many years until America took whole control of it and this led to rise in tension again between US and Mexico.
After this American settlers who lived in the territory of California in Mexico revolted against the Mexican government in what is known as the Bear Flag Revolt. The Americans captured Sonoma, hoisted a Bear Flag in the area, and declared it the California Republic. And then later it was replaced by the United States flag by Lieutenant Revere who later declared that California is now an official part of United States.
In February 1848, Mexico and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to end the war. As a result of this treaty America got a large portion of territory from Mexico which included present-day California.
As of the signing of the treaty, California had a very low population that was not up to the 60,000-inhabitant benchmark which a territory needed to achieve statehood that time. But then in 1849, Californians demanded statehood, and California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850. California joined the Union as a free, non-slavery state by the Compromise of 1850.
California Admission Day Significance:
Today, California is one of the most important state of the United States so it was very important event in the history that it became part of the United States. Because if it didn't became part of US then the whole history could have been changed.
Today California has the largest population and economy in the United States and its population at about 40 million is bigger than even whole Canada. And its economy is as large as the whole United Kingdom. So it is almost impossible to think that what if California never existed and maybe it would have caused significant damage to US too as California is so important to it so US might not have been that powerful that it is today without California.
California also holds the largest seats at 55 during the US Presidential elections so it is very important politically however it is mostly a democratic state from a long time. California also hosts the Hollywood which is the largest film industry of world so it is a dream state for many aspiring artists. So it is also very interesting to think if California wasn't in the US then which state could have hosted Hollywood or whether it would be that big today without California. So definitely California Admission Day holds a lot of significance not only for the state but for whole country.
California Admission Day Celebrations:
California Admission Day has been observed particularly in the Sonoma area since 1850. It would be nice to visit the area where it all began. Don’t forget to enjoy the state’s beautiful beaches, valleys, and mountains as you celebrate this day!
California Admission Day is often observed with many special events at schools, museums, and organizations throughout the state. Public officials also gives special addresses about its history and significance. So definitely needs to pay attention to these events to gain more knowledge.
You can also celebrate the whole state of California on this day to pay a tribute to this day. And you certainly won't be disappointed as California has a lot to offer for its tourists. Sine of the popular spots are obviously Hollywood, Disneyland and Golden Bridge. But California is also full of natural diversity so try to visit such places.
Most Searched FAQs on California Admission Day:
1. When is California Admission Day is observed?
California Admission Day is annually observed on 9th September.
2. What are the other names for California?
California is also known as ‘The Golden State, ‘The Land of Milk and Honey,’ ‘The El Dorado State,’ and ‘The Grape State.’
3. Is California Admission Day is a federal holiday?
California Admission Day is not a federal holiday. It’s a local observance in the state of California.