Santa Monica has a rich history that dates back to Rancho San Vicente y Santa Mónica. This land was granted in 1839 to the Sepúlveda family of California. Later on, John P. Jones and Robert Baker purchased the rancho. In 1875, they founded Santa Monica with the help of Robert’s Californio heiress wife, Arcadia Bandini de Stearns Baker. It wasn’t long before Santa Monica transformed into a vibrant seaside resort. Tourist attractions like Palisades Park, the Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Park, and the Hotel Casa del Mar were created, adding to the city’s charm and allure.
Indigenous Roots
The Tongva people, native to Santa Monica, established the village of Comicranga. Victoria Reid, a notable resident and daughter of the village chief, was taken to Mission San Gabriel at age six during the Spanish era.
Spanish Influence
The first non-indigenous explorers, led by Gaspar de Portolá, arrived in 1769. The city’s name origin is debated: some believe it honors Saint Monica’s feast day, while others attribute it to springs reminiscent of Saint Monica’s tears.
Mexican Era
In 1839, Rancho San Vicente y Santa Mónica was granted to the Sepúlveda family. The boundaries were unclear, leading to disputes with neighboring ranchos. A small Californio community developed here, mainly comprising vaqueros and their families.
Post-conquest Developments
After California’s American conquest, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, granting rights to Mexicans and Californios. The 1870s saw the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad connect Santa Monica to LA, boosting its growth. The early 20th century witnessed the rise of amusement piers and the Pacific Electric Railway, attracting visitors from Greater LA. Asian American communities, particularly Japanese fishermen, played significant roles in the local economy.
Modern Times
The 1920s saw the establishment of the Douglas Aircraft Company. In the 1930s, the Great Depression and corruption impacted Santa Monica, but the Works Project Administration aided in building key structures. World War II spurred Douglas’s growth, with the company employing up to 44,000 people in 1943. The RAND Corporation, originating from Douglas, became an independent think tank in 1948. The late 20th century saw infrastructural developments like the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and the Santa Monica Freeway, which affected local communities. Beach volleyball’s origins trace back to Santa Monica in the 1920s.
Today, Santa Monica boasts two hospitals and several local newspapers, reflecting its vibrant community and rich history. Make sure to take a look at our Santa Monica Weather Guide if you plan a visit.
Historical Data Sponsored by Dreamcatcher Remodeling
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