The written
history of the Redondo Beach area begins in 1542 when Juan
Rodriguez Cabrillo discovered the beautiful, sweeping Santa Monica
Bay, however, it remained a sleepy Indian Village for more than
200 years.As part of the 43,000 acre
Dominguez Rancho, a Spanish Land Grant of 1784, Redondo Beach was
a rich farming and grazing area until the late 1800’s.
Incorporated
on April 29th, 1892, the City was already well served by rail and
steamship lines and was an early Port of Los Angeles. The lumber
and shipping industries preceded the Pacific Electric Big Red Car
Line, which contributed to the reputation of Redondo Beach as a
resort and recreation area for Southern California’s rapidly
expanding population.
The
opening of the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro ended the City’s
shipping trade and the city grew only slowly during the Great
Depression and World War II. During the 50’s and 60's Redondo
Beach came into its own and once again became a popular resort
city, as well as a good place to live, work and play.
Today, the City of Redondo Beach holds many
treasures including the landmark Pier and International Boardwalk,
Riviera Village (the comfortable "town within a town"), the
Galleria (a world-class shopping mall), the beautiful King Harbor
Marina and much more.
Pop Fact: Surfing
was introduced to California at Redondo Beach by George Freeth in
1907.