Beverly Hills, California is a world-renowned city that is synonymous with luxury and wealth. But what many people don’t know is that Beverly Hills has a rich and fascinating history. From its early days as a small ranching community to its present-day status as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, Beverly Hills has truly come a long way. Here’s a look at the history of this iconic city.

1850s-1880s: Ranching Community

Beverly Hills was founded in 1887 by Mrs. Helen Richardson and her husband, George Huntly Missimer. Mrs. Richardson was the daughter of Frederick Rindge, who had purchased the Rancho Malibu in 1892 from the Spanish government. The Missimers bought 160 acres of land from the Rindges, which they subdivided into 10-acre plots and sold for $1,200 each. At the time, the area was mostly used for ranching purposes. There were very few houses, and the only business was a hotel that served stagecoach passengers travelling between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

1890s-1920s: Growth of the City

In 1906, water was discovered in Beverly Hills, which led to a period of rapid growth for the city. More businesses and residences were built, and by 1912, there were more than 600 people living in Beverly Hills. In 1914, the City Council voted to incorporate Beverly Hills, making it an official city.

The 1920s was a decade of prosperity for Beverly Hills. Thanks to The Gold Rush of 1849 and the discovery of oil in Los Angeles County in 1892, many wealthy people had moved to California seeking their fortune. And many of these new millionaires decided to build mansions in Beverly Hills. This resulted in an increase in property values, which led to even more growth for the city.

1930s-1950s: The Golden Age

Beverly Hills reached its height of popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, thanks in part to its close proximity to Hollywood. During this time, many movie stars and studio executives built homes in Beverly Hills, further adding to its glamorous image. As a result of all this publicity, tourism also increased significantly during this period. In fact, so many people came to visit that the City Council had to create a special tourist district just to accommodate them!

The 1950s brought even more changes to Beverly Hills. In order get away from all the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, several movie studios relocated to Beverly Hills during this decade. This helped solidify its reputation as an exclusive enclave for Hollywood’s elite. It also resulted in an increase in property values and even more tourism for the city.

Beverly Hills has come a long way since its beginnings as a small ranching community in 1887. Today, it is known around the world as a symbol of luxury and wealth. But its rich history is often overlooked by those who are more familiar with its more recent image. Hopefully this brief overview has given you a better understanding of how Beverly Hills became the iconic city it is today!