California turns 175: Here’s some interesting things about the Golden State

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CALIFORNIA

On Sept. 9, 1850, California was admitted as the 31st state in the union. Here are a few things to celebrate about our 175-year-old home.

State flag history

On June 14, 1846, rebellious settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma. They declared California to be a republic independent of Mexico. This became known as the Bear Flag Revolt, named for the hastily designed flag depicting a grizzly and a five-point star over a red bar and the words “California Republic.” The flag only flew until July 9, 1846, when it was learned that Mexico and the United States were already at war. It was adopted as the state flag in 1911.

Settling on SacramentoCalifornia’s first capital was San Jose, which was deemed inadequate due to lack of facilities for a proper capital