Flammable vapor caught fire at the Chevron Refinery in Richmond, California.
Six employees were injured in the accident.
Source
Bob Hope performed his first United Service Organization show at California's March Field for service members and their families.
President James K. Polk confirmed a gold discovery.
The world's first Mcdonald's opened in San Bernardino, California.
Ronald Reagan signed the Therapeutic Abortion Act.
The California Gold Rush begins.