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History of Long Beach, California, USA
Journey back in time to Long Beach, California, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Long Beach, California, USA.
About Long Beach
In 1784 the Spanish Empire's King Carlos III granted Rancho Los Nietos to Spanish soldier Manuel Nieto. The Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos were divided from this territory.
In 1843 Jonathan Temple bought Rancho Los Cerritos, having arrived in California in 1827 from New England.
In 1880, Jotham Bixby sold 4,000 acres of the Rancho Los Cerritos to William E. Willmore, who subdivided it in hopes of creating a farm community, Willmore City. He failed and was bought out by a Los Angeles syndicate that called itself the "Long Beach Land and Water Company." They changed the name of the community to Long Beach, at that time. The City of Long Beach was officially incorporated in 1897.
Long Beach Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to LONG BEACH

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Discover Long Beach: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Long Beach through the years.
Long Beach, April 3. - Aviator CALBRAITH PERRY RODGERS was killed here this afternoon, while attempting to make the "dip" in his biplane. The machine, instead of answering to the control at the proper moment, dashed into the water within a few feet of the pier and carried the unfortunate birdman to the bottom in view of the many thousand spectators who were present to witness the exhibition flight.
The biplane was seriously damaged by the impact with the water, and when finally raised, it was found that RODGERS had been caught in the framework in such a manner that he could not extricate himself in time to prevent drowning.
RODGERS was rated as one of the most daring and expert fliers in the country and gained nation-wide prominence in his transcontinental flight.
MOST OF VICTIMS WOMEN.
Tragedy Occurs at Celebration of "Empire Day" In Honor of Queen Victoria's Anniversary.
Special to The New York Times.
Long Beach, Cal., May 24 - While 10,000 persons were massed on a double-deck pier in front of the City Auditorium to-day, celebrating "British Empire Day," a section of the upper floor gave way and 400 were plunged to the beach, forty feet below. Those on the top deck fell upon the hundreds crowded on the lower deck, and all were dashed down a chute of shattered woodwork to the tide-washed sands.
Thirty-three persons - mostly women - were killed by the shivered timbers or crushed to death by the falling bodies of companions and friends. Fifty more were seriously injured, while hysteria and fright caused the disabling of scores of others. The total number of injured may reach 200.
A section of the auditorium which went down in the crash was added to the...
2,000 HURT, PROPERTY LOSS UP TO 35 MILLION.
LONG BEACH IS HARDEST HIT BY SERIES OF 23 SEVERE SHOCKS.
NIGHT OF TERROR IN LOS ANGELES.
RELIEF SITUATION NOW WELL IN HAND; NAVY AND MARINES HELP.
Bulletin:
Seattle, Wash., Mar. 11 (AP) - An earthquake, described by University of Washington scientists as being "stronger than any of the previous during the last 24 hours" was recorded on the university seismograph at 11:53 a.m. today.
Bulletin:
Los Angeles, Mar. 11 (AP) - The unofficial death toll in the earthquake which shook southern California yesterday and today went up to 140 this morning as additional bodies were found. About 2,000 were estimated to have been injured and the damage was placed by relief agencies at approximately $35,000,000.
Long Beach, on the coast near Los Angeles, was the hardest hit. The dead there totaled 74 ...
LONG BEACH, Cal., June 2 (AP). - Seven persons were burned to death, nineteen were treated at hospitals for injuries and ten others are missing following a terrific explosion Friday in the Meader absorption plant of the Richfield Oil Company in the Signal Hill field near here.
The blast, which rocked the city and destroyed homes in the immediate vicinity of the refinery, was felt for thirty miles around and plate-glass windows were shattered as far away as three miles.
Fire fighters brought the resulting blaze under control four hours after the first of two blasts. They estimated damage around $350,000.
There were two explosions. The first, a minor blast, was believed to have been in one of the compressors. The gas released from high pressure shot thirty feet into the air and was ignited by the blazing boilers of the D'Angei Oil Company rig near by, bringing about the second, two minutes...
Show more local history, news & stories
Long Beach Waterfront: Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the scenic views. You'll find shops, restaurants, and attractions like Shoreline Village, where you can shop for souvenirs or enjoy a meal with a view.
Aquarium of the Pacific: This is one of the most popular aquariums in Southern California. It's home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and colorful coral reefs. The interactive exhibits make it a great spot for families.
Belmont Shore: Head to this charming coastal community for a laid-back atmosphere. Belmont Shore's Second Street is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a great place to explore on foot or by bike.
Naples Island: Experience a taste of Italy in Long Beach by visiting Naples...
Discover YOUR Roots: Long Beach Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Long Beach through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Long Beach, California, USA
We currently have information about 40 ancestors who were born or died in Long Beach.
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