1. On February 21, 1848, the first gold nugget was discovered in California by James W. Marshall at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, sparking the California Gold Rush.
2. In 1965, on February 21, civil rights activist Malcolm X was assassinated while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City.
3. In 1920, on February 21, the Beverly Hills Speedway officially opened, attracting racing legends like Barney Oldfield and Eddie Rickenbacker.
4. February 21, 1952, marked the opening of Knott’s Berry Farm, now one of California’s most popular theme parks, in Buena Park.
5. On February 21, 1916, the first American road to be a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways was authorized by the US Congress, laying the groundwork for the development of California's modern highway system.