California became the 31st state on this day in 1850, the US having defeated Mexico in a war that lasted only 2 years. Of course, that was a fair-sized war back in those days. With modern technology and all that mankind has learned in 160 years since, wars last longer now.

Garrison Keillor has a nice little summary of historical events in today's Writer's Almanac.

Anyway, happy birthday, CA.