What year did California become a state?

California became a state in 1850. This significant event occurred as a result of the Gold Rush, which led to a massive influx of settlers and the rapid growth of communities within the region. Following the discovery of gold in 1848 at Sutter's Mill, the population surged, and by 1850, California’s population had swelled enough to warrant statehood.

The Compromise of 1850 was a critical legislative package that addressed the status of territories acquired during the Mexican-American War, and as part of this compromise, California was admitted as the 31st state of the United States. This was a pivotal moment in California's history, as it established the state’s governance structure and set the stage for its future development.