The Golden State: California Marks 174th Anniversary of Statehood on Sept. 9

California became the 31st state, just two years after the end of the Mexican-American War.Photo byMaarten van den HeuvelonUnsplash

Monday marks the 174th anniversary of California's admission to the Union. On September 9, 1850, California became the 31st state, just two years after the end of the Mexican-American War, when Mexico ceded its northwestern territory to the U.S. The newly acquired land included parts of several southwestern states, but California was the first to gain statehood.

Today, California observes this milestone in various ways, including free entry to most state parks and monuments, as the California State Parks system celebrates Admission Day, honoring the state’s rich history and natural beauty, according to longtime state residents of the Golden State.