California History By cardfam 1769 San Diego de Alcala(first mission) Period: 1769 to 1782 Sacred Expedition 1821 Spain excepts Mexican independence 1823 San Fransico Solano 1834 Missions close 1835 Year the Nicoleno Indians left San Nicolas Island Apr 21, 1838 John Muir was born 1846 Bear flag revolt 1848 Mexico lost California Jan 24, 1848 Gold was discovered by John Marshall on the American River 1850 California became a state 1853 Year Karana was rescued Period: 1860 to 1861 Pony Express May 10, 1869 Transcontinental Railroad is Completed Period: 1894 to 1898 Pigeon Express Apr 18, 1906 San Francisco Earthquake (8.25 magnitude) 1994 Mammoth skeleton was discovered