Tuesday, September 9 marks the 175th anniversary of California statehood. Known as Admission Day, it commemorates the signing of “An Act for the Admission of the State of California into the Union” by President Millard Fillmore. The legislation — part of the Compromise of 1850 — made California the 31st U.S. state.
The holiday doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as it once did. California has a checkered relationship with statehood commemoration. In 1984, Governor George Deukmejian signed legislation that eliminated its formal observance, making September 9th a “personal” holiday. Governor Jerry Brown tried multiple times to revive its formal holiday status.
“California’s early history is too often neglected in schools and among our citizens,” he once said.
While California has largely abandoned the ostentatious celebrations, there are a few noteworthy events taking place in Sacramento:
- California Museum’s Statehood Celebration
September 6 at 12 - 4 pm
- State Library’s 175th Anniversary Celebration
September 9 at 11 am - 1 pm
- California’s 175th Birthday Block Party
September 9 at 6 - 9 pm
The Bidwell Forum in Glendora, California (L.A. County) will also host two discussions:
- Thinking With California at 175 Years
September 6 at 11 am
- Tar Pit Tales: Fossils of Ancient California
September 11 at 3:30 pm
Most schools and many local government offices will remain open Tuesday, but it’s always a good idea to check for closures.