1. In 1683, the Spanish explorer and missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino arrived in what is now California. He is credited with founding numerous missions and outposts throughout the state, including San Francisco and San Diego.

2. On June 16, 1865, Union troops landed in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom for African Americans. This day is now celebrated as Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

3. In 1903, the first cable car line opened in Los Angeles. The line ran from downtown Los Angeles to the top of Mount Lowe, offering incredible views of the surrounding area.

4. On this day in 1963, the U.S. Space Agency launched the first woman into space. Valentina Tereshkova, a Russian cosmonaut, orbited Earth 48 times before returning safely back to the ground.

5. In 2004, San Francisco became the first city in the U.S. to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This historic decision paved the way for marriage equality across the country.