Happy 175th Birthday, California: See 8 Great Inventions By Golden State Residents

CALIFORNIA — California celebrates its 175 years of Statehood on its "Admission Day" this week. The Golden State became a state in September of 1850, and since then, its residents have been inspired to greatness in many different ways.

On its 175th anniversary of statehood, we explored some of California's most significant achievements and the "firsts" that have occurred here.

Some are purely unique, and others have changed life as we know it.

"Throughout American history, California has been a state that is committed to realizing the American Dream," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a video celebrating the state of California this week.

This September marks 175 years of California dreaming.

Throughout history, California has come together to learn from the challenges we’ve faced to create a stronger, more vibrant future. It cannot be denied: the future happens here, first — together.

For 175 years, and in the years to come, Californians will keep innovating in tech, fashion, and entertainment.

Visit California recently shared some of its favorite ways that Golden State residents have made their own dreams come true and improved the lives of those in the world around us:

1. Disneyland Opens in Anaheim: In 1955, Disneyland opened to the public, and it has been growing ever since. The themepark "revolutionized the way Americans had fun," Visit California writes. Walt Disney, a father of two daughters, sought to create a clean, safe environment where parents and children could immerse themselves in the magical world of characters like Mickey Mouse and other cartoon stars. Disneyland’s focus on a popular narrative “theme” changed the leisure industry forever.

2. Hollywood's First Electric Theatre: In 1902, a venue opened devoted to the movies, projecting them on a silver screen. This rocketed a love of theaters across the nation and the world, and launched an industry that would forever keep people entertained. "A ticket for the elegant theater cost 10 cents—a big bump up from nickelodeons, where patrons paid a nickel to watch a movie in a space that often doubled as a storefront or vaudeville stage. "

3. Electric Guitars Were Invented In Los Angeles: In 1931, George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker invented a guitar known as the 22 lap steel "frying pan." This became a hit with musicians.

4. Levi's 501 Blues: Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patented their copper riveted denim pants in 1873. Known as "waist overalls," these pants improved the choice of durable work clothing for Gold Rush prospectors, a style still appreciated to this day.

5. Wetsuits Save Surfers From Cold Pacific Waters: A UC Berkeley physicist envisioned the material that would retain body heat while in cold ocean water. With the help of a Scripps Institution of Oceanography engineer, the neoprene wetsuit launched in the winter of 1950 and was later patented by surfer Jack O'Neill.

6. Barbie Is Born: Mattel's Barbie doll was made and patented in El Segundo in 1959. The doll was conceived by Ruth Handler, and was joined by her partner, Ken, in 1961.

7. Skateboards Gain Traction As International Sport: The skateboard was invented in California in the 1940s and 50s, and mass-produced in 1962 with clay wheels attached to wooden boards. Now, the urethane wheel and fiberglass deck boards, invented by Frank Nasworthy and Bill and Bob Bahne of Encinitas, are seen in the X-Games and the Olympics.

8. Apple Reinvents Communication: In January of 2007, mobile communication skyrocketed to a whole new level with the birth of the iPhone. Created in Cupertino at Apple headquarters and introduced at the Macworld conference, the iPhone continues to raise the bar.