Bella's timeline By bravebobcats Sep 9, 1850 California became a state. Apr 3, 1860 The Pony Express started carrying mail from Misouri to California. May 10, 1869 The Transcontinental railroad is completed. Jan 22, 1890 California's population exceeds 1 million. Apr 18, 1906 A major earthquake and fire destroys San Francisco. Nov 11, 1926 Route 66 opens in California. Jun 9, 1943 The zoot suit riots break out in California. Sep 30, 1962 The National workers farm union is founded in California. Jan 3, 1970 California becomes a leader in computers and other electronics. Jan 1, 2011 Jerry Brown replaces Arnold Schwarzengger as governor in Caliornia.