1. On January 19, 1807, the USS Vincennes, commanded by Captain Samuel H. Strong, arrived at the San Diego Bay. This was the first time an American vessel had entered the port.

2. In 1840, the first civil settlement in Santa Barbara County was established at Los Alamos on January 19.

3. On January 19, 1861, the state of California voted overwhelmingly to remain part of the United States during a secession crisis that followed the election of Abraham Lincoln.

4. The first California avocado trees were planted in January of 1893. The trees were planted in Santa Barbara on January 19th.

5. January 19, 1977, marked the release of one of the most iconic California-based films of all time. Smokey and the Bandit was released worldwide, bringing Burt Reynolds and Sally Fields to the masses. The film went on to become the second-highest-grossing film of the year.