Celebrating 175 Years:
Sacramento, California, USA – 9 September 2025
Governor Gavin Newsom has officially proclaimed today, September 9, 2025, as “California’s 175th Anniversary,” marking a major milestone since the state’s admission to the Union in 1850. The proclamation celebrates California’s history while also acknowledging past injustices, particularly those against Native peoples.
In a pre-recorded State of the State address released to coincide with the anniversary, Governor Newsom reflected on California’s journey as the 31st state. The proclamation recognizes the state’s role as a global leader in technology, agriculture, arts, and innovation, and a place where people can pursue the “California Dream.” The governor’s remarks also touched on the state’s efforts to address its past, citing partnerships with Native tribes and a commitment to learning from historical wrongs.
Key Points:
* Historic Milestone: California officially became the 31st state on September 9, 1850, as part of the Compromise of 1850, which sought to address the balance between free and slave states.
* Celebrations Across the State: To mark the occasion, various events are being held throughout California, with a free block party in Sacramento featuring live music, food, and historical activities. Other events include a celebration at the California State Library and a special Statehood Celebration at the California Museum.
* Political Context: The anniversary falls as the governor, a potential 2028 presidential contender, also used his address to criticize the current U.S. presidential administration and outline California’s achievements in a letter to the state legislature.
* Acknowledge and Move Forward: Newsom’s proclamation highlighted the state’s progress but also noted the “state-endorsed and state-allowed travesties” inflicted upon the Native peoples of the land in the state’s early years.
The celebration of California’s statehood is rooted in a pivotal moment in American history. Following the discovery of gold in 1848, the population surged, and the need for a formal government became urgent. California bypassed the traditional territorial phase and was admitted as a free state, a move that was a significant factor in the heated national debate over slavery. The anniversary serves as both a reflection on this complex history and a look toward the future, with ongoing celebrations planned across the state throughout the year.
