Title Page Detail, California's 1849 Constittution

California’s first Constitutional Convention met for thirty-seven days in Monterey, from September 1 to October 13, 1849. The constitution was approved by the delegates on October 10-11, 1849 and ratified by the electorate one month later (12,061 in favor; 811 against). The first legislature met December 15, 1849, in San Jose, and petitioned Congress to admit California to the Union. California was admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850.

Much of the 1849 Constitution was based heavily upon the constitution of Iowa, and to a lesser degree, the constitution of New York.

Identification Information: Records of the California Secretary of State.