1. California became a state
August 1, 1848 marked an important day in California’s history as it officially became a state. This followed the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. California became the 31st state of the United States.

2. California's state flower was chosen
On August 1, 1903, the California State Floral Society chose the California poppy as the state flower. It was chosen due to its vibrant orange color that makes it a beautiful sight during springtime.

3. The first organized marine disaster rescue in history took place
On August 1, 1854, the first organized marine disaster rescue in history was performed by a member of the US Coast Guard. Captain John Veeder used his knowledge of the sea to rescue 30 people from a shipwreck off of San Luis Obispo, California.

4. Disneyland opened
On August 1, 1955, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, opened its doors to the public for the first time. The theme park was the brainchild of Walt Disney and has since become a major attraction in California, drawing visitors from all over the world.

5. The Watts riots began
On August 1, 1965, the Watts riots began in Los Angeles, California. The riots were sparked by an incident of police brutality and lasted for six days, resulting in 34 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. The riots were a turning point in the history of Civil Rights in America and led to major changes in the Los Angeles Police Department.