Arcadia California: Arcadia’s beginnings go back
over 3,000 years to the Tongva/Gabrielino Native American settlement
whose members were attracted to the water rich, ripe Southern
California land in which to hunt and gather.
Arcadia
saw it’s first notable settler in Hugo Reid who was deeded the land by
the Spanish government, making him the first individual land owner of
the area and the first to make a modern impact on the land by stocking
cattle and building the first structure.
A
succession of owners followed and the one who made a lasting impression
on the area was Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin who in 1875 bought a large
area of land including what is known as Arcadia for $200,000 ($25 an
acre). When Lucky Baldwin first saw the land of Arcadia with its
beautiful foothill landscape, lush greenery and oak trees, fertile
growing land and acres full of potential, Lucky Baldwin was amazed and
declared "By Gads! This is paradise." Upon buying the land, Lucky chose
to make the area his home and immediately started erecting buildings
and cultivating the land for farming, orchards and ranches. It didn’t
take log before he turned his sights to cityhood for the blossoming
area he named Arcadia.
With
a population of 500 and a booming economy that was somewhat based on
entertainment, sporting, hospitality and gambling opportunities,
Arcadia became a city in 1903. Since then, Arcadia has grown and
matured into a city in which Lucky would have been proud – one of
distinction, heritage, success and beauty.
If you are interested in learning more about Arcadia's history, please visit the following pages on this website:
Arcadia History Collection
www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=821
The Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum
www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=815
History of Elected Officials
