Long Beach History

Long Beach's history traces back to the 1500s when it was inhabited by Native Americans, and the land was coined the “Bay of the Smokes” by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Cabrillo noticed the ancient communication practice of sending smoke signals at the hilltop now known as Signal Hill. In the late 1700s, the now Spanish-owned land was granted to two Spanish soldiers who split it into Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos.

The historical district of Willmore City Drake Park was developed in the late 19th century by pioneer William E. Willmore, a subdivision of Rancho Los Cerritos that included the original township of Willmore City. The city was later incorporated and renamed Long Beach due to its increasing population. Drake Park was named after Colonel Charles Rivers Drake, who created the Pike amusement complex and Knoll Park housing development.

Recognizing its rich history, Willmore City was designated a historic district by the city of Long Beach in the 1970s and certified as a historic district by the state of California. It has special zoning to encourage the relocation of historic homes to the district. The area features the beautiful Bembridge House and a variety of architectural styles, including folk and Queen Anne Victorians, period revival, and Craftsman architecture, all benefiting from the protective measures of a historic designation.