2010 marks memorable dates in America’s history

200 years ago, 1810

King Kamehameha became ruler of the Hawaiian islands.

The U.S. assumed control over west Florida, which became parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. The third U.S. Census found the population to be 7,239,881. It was a 36.4 percent increase since 1800.

150 years ago, 1860

The first rider for the Pony Express left St. Joseph, Mo. It took him 11 days to reach  Sacramento, Calif. Milton Bradley became a manufacturer of board games. The first steam-powered flour mill opened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. U.S. population 31,443,321. There were 33 states in the Union.

100 years ago, 1910

An estimated 1.8 million children were employed full time. The high school graduation rate was about 10 percent. U.S. population: 93,402,151, of which 1,041,570 were immigrants. There were 46 states in the Union. “Down by the Old Mill Stream” by Tell Taylor was a popular song.

75 years ago, 1935

Amelia Earhart became the first pilot to fly solo from Hawaii to California. President Franklin Roosevelt approved the Social Security Act and the Works Progress Administration. In Richmond, Virginia, canned beer was sold for the first time. “Red Sails in the Sunset” was recorded by Bing Crosby and Guy Lombardo. U.S. population: 127 million.

50 years ago, 1960

John F. Kennedy was elected president of the U.S. at age 43. Hawaii became the 50th state. U.S. population: 179,323,175. Estimated 2010 U.S. population: 307 million.