Anaheim History

Although perhaps now more closely associated with sprawling oceanfront mansions and designer flip-flops, the coastal region between Los Angeles and San Diego has a past rooted in conflict over land, the Catholic Church, and agriculture.

The Mission Era

Originally inhabited by the Tongva and Juaneño/Luiseño people, a group of Spanish explorers and missionaries bound for the legendary Monterey Bay reached the region in the mid-1700s. Father Junipero Serra, founder of the Alta California Mission chain, was among the party and established the Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776 making it the first permanent European settlement in California. The Mission was built and maintained by the native people who were converted to Christianity by the Spanish monks. Once converted, most of these native Californians were permitted to own land, undoubtedly the impetus for many of the transformations. During this time the cattle industry thrived in area with the development of a port at Dana Point, and a busy trade of tallow, hide, and other goods developed between New England and the West Coast. Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and the California missions fell into a state of disrepair. Subsequent drought and disease wiped out the cattle and killed crops, and the mission economy was further damaged by increased secularization implemented by the Mexican government. Unrest continued, and Mexico eventually lost control of the territory with Mexican-American war of 1846-1848 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

California Becomes a State

With statehood in 1850 issues over land arose, as citizens were required to show documentation of landownership in order to retain their holdings. Because much of the land had been freely parceled out and distributed by the Spanish and Mexican governments, many people lost their land. Taking advantage of this, entrepreneurs such as James Irvine bought up huge amounts of land and planted more drought resistant crops such as walnuts, avocados, and the citrus for which the county was later named. Settlements sprung up, aided by the expansion of the railroads. An electric trolley system was put in place carrying passengers to and from Los Angeles making the region more accessible and resulting in the founding of Huntington and Seal Beach as resort communities.

Orange Becomes County

The discovery of silver in the Santa Ana mountains in 1887 caused another population surge, and as the 20th century approached the area was bursting at the seams. Tired of the long trek to Los Angeles to do official business and concerned that their needs were not being adequately addressed, residents began to push for self-government. In 1889 their wish was granted, and paying homage to its agricultural roots the county was named "Orange." While the trolley lines promoted growth and tourism during the early 1900s, it was the introduction of the automobile and freeway system that made an impact on the latter half of the century. Completion of US 101 and I-5 made this coastal haven even more accessible, and Orange County became a popular getaway for early Hollywood. The end of WWII saw another population increase when the military bases that had dominated the area closed and service men and women settled in the area and raised families. In 1955 Disneyland opened in Anaheim, followed by Knotts Berry Farm in 1968 setting the standard for the newest form of American entertainment, the theme park.

Modern History and Development

Today Orange County is the second most populous county in California, fifth in the nation. Known for its wealthy population and political conservatism, the region has entered pop culture's spotlight in recent years with hit TV shows like The O.C. and reality series such as MTV's Laguna Beach. A mecca for successful people of every profession, the area is at the center of the "Tech Coast," a term coined to describe Southern California's economic transformation from aerospace and defense to a international, multi-tech industries. The South Coast is home to of mega companies and some of the top research universities. Home to some of the country's most exclusive and expensive communities, Orange County has set the standard for master planned luxury development. With its sunny climate, sandy beaches, wealth of recreational activities, and world class dining and shopping its no wonder those with big bank accounts choose to live here.