Long Beach History, California

 The Still Alive History of Long Beach The vibrant and colorful history of the dynamic city of Long Beach is still alive and speaks a thousand volumes regarding the various transformations added in the city’s culture.

 Establishment of Long Beach

The establishment of Long Beach occurred fifty years later to the discovery of America. Earlier, the land was occupied by the Tongva people, who had their origin from the Tibahanga, and were named Rancheria. Later, division took place in between the Rancho Los Nietos and Rancho Los Cerritos, which had earlier conferred by the king of Spain to the mulatto soldier, known as Manuel Nieto. 

Role of John Temple in Long Beach History

John Temple purchased the Rancho Los Cerritos in 1843. Temple was basically a Yankee, who had marked his advent in California in the year 1827. Later, he constructed, what is summoned as the national landmark of the city, “Los Cerritos Ranch House”. This cattle ranch thrived and prospered in a phenomenal manner, which made Temple, one of the wealthiest men. The ranch and its constructor had played a very pivotal role in the Mexican war. 

Rancho Los Cerritos

Later in the year 1866, the Rancho Los Cerritos was sold to the renowned firm of Flint and Bixby for a sum of twenty thousand dollars. Eventually, it was Lewellyn Bixby’s brother Jotham, also known as the “father of Long beach” who had to manage the ranch. After some time, Jotham purchased the land and independently created the Bixby Land Company. During this time only, the Rancho Los Cerritos was also transformed for sheep ranching. 

Ranch under Wilmore

Once again, in the year 1880, the ranch was sold. This time it was bought by Willmore, who wanted to create a farming community in the ranch. Though he desperately failed in his attempt, the ranch was later possessed by the Long Beach Company related to land and water. After the death of Bixby, the other neighboring land were further divided and turned into different districts and cities like the North Long Beach, the California heights and the Signal Hill. 

Long Beach as a seaside resort

During 1910 to 1960, pike flourished as one of the major amusement parks on the beachside of the western coast. Henceforth, Long Beach emerged as a sea side resort and also as a port, oil and navy town. It has also referred as “The Iowa by the sea” due to the remarkable advent of the people from the neighboring areas. Unfortunately, in 1993, a very devastating earthquake hit the city and caused ample destruction. But in spite of it, the livelihood and prominence of the city mushroomed and it added to its significance.

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