Pasadena, California – A Village Inside a City
Nestled a mere ten miles northeast of the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, lies Pasadena, California, a city that often feels more like a charming village than a bustling urban center. Its history is rich and layered, woven with threads of Native American heritage, Spanish colonial influence, and the pioneering spirit of the American West. The story of Pasadena is one of transformation, from a humble settlement to a vibrant city that retains its unique character and appeal.
The narrative begins long before the arrival of European settlers. The land that is now Pasadena was originally inhabited by the Hahanog-na Indian tribe. They established their villages along the banks of the Arroyo Seco, a seasonal riverbed carving its way through the landscape, and throughout the canyons that stretched from the mountains to the South Pasadena area. Their lives were intertwined with the natural rhythms of the region, relying on the resources provided by the land and water.
The late 1700s brought significant change, as the Spanish Empire expanded its reach into California. In 1771, the San Gabriel Mission was founded, marking the beginning of a new era for the region. The mission, a symbol of Spanish authority and religious conversion, became a prominent feature of the landscape. The Spanish sought to convert the indigenous population to Christianity and integrate them into their colonial system. The mission thrived, surrounded by flourishing orchards, bountiful vineyards, and herds of livestock, transforming the natural landscape into a cultivated agricultural center.
In 1833, the landscape of California shifted once again as the land passed from Spanish to Mexican control. The vast territories of California were divided into large land grants known as ranchos, awarded to Mexican citizens. The area encompassing present-day Pasadena was designated Rancho del Rincon de San Pascual, a sprawling estate that defined the region’s identity for decades.
Manuel Garfias became the last owner of this expansive 14,000-acre land grant. Even after California became a state in 1850, Garfias was permitted to retain ownership of his property. However, over the subsequent two decades, portions of the Rancho were gradually sold off to newly arriving white settlers, marking a significant transition in the region’s demographics and land ownership patterns. By 1873, Dr. John S. Griffin and Benjamin Wilson, a figure who would later become the first Anglo mayor of Los Angeles, controlled over 5,000 acres of the original Rancho.
Wilson played a pivotal role in the next chapter of Pasadena‘s development. In 1873, he agreed to sell approximately 4,000 acres of his land to Dr. Daniel M. Berry, an individual with a vision for a new community. Berry, hailing from Indiana, sought to establish a haven for those seeking a more temperate climate following a particularly harsh winter. To finance the relocation of a group of Indiana residents, Berry established the Southern California Orange and Citrus Growers Association, selling stock to raise the necessary funds.
On January 31, 1874, Berry and the Indiana newcomers formally incorporated the "Indiana Colony." This marked the official founding of the settlement that would eventually become Pasadena. The name "pa-sa-de-na," meaning "of the valley," was derived from the language of the Chippewa Indians, reflecting the aspirations of the founders to create a community rooted in the beauty and abundance of the surrounding landscape. In 1886, the settlement achieved another milestone, becoming the second incorporated city in Southern California.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a period of rapid growth and transformation for Pasadena. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway turned the city into an important stop, facilitating the influx of new residents and spurring a real estate boom that lasted from the 1880s until the onset of the Great Depression. Pasadena gained recognition as a winter resort destination, attracting wealthy Easterners seeking respite from the harsh northern winters. This influx of affluent visitors led to the construction of several grand hotels, symbols of the city’s burgeoning prosperity and social prominence.
Two of these architectural landmarks have stood the test of time: the Hotel Green, constructed in 1888, and the Vista Del Arroyo, built in 1903. The Hotel Green, once the vibrant social hub of Pasadena, has been transformed into Castle Green, offering individual housing units and serving as a venue for parties and events. The Vista Del Arroyo, with its elegant design and historical significance, now houses the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
By the turn of the century, Pasadena’s population had grown to over 9,000 residents. Just a decade later, it had more than tripled to over 30,000. This period also saw the construction of numerous craftsman-style homes, reflecting the architectural trends of the era. Many of these homes still stand today, serving as reminders of Pasadena’s rich architectural heritage. The most notable example is the Gamble House, built in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of Procter & Gamble fame. Today, the Gamble House operates as a museum, allowing visitors to explore the intricate details of this iconic craftsman masterpiece.
In 1913, the Colorado Street Bridge, a majestic structure soaring 150 feet above the Arroyo Seco, was completed. Spanning nearly 1,500 feet across the riverbed, the bridge became an iconic landmark. While celebrated for its distinctive arches and railings, the bridge also gained notoriety for a darker reason: suicides. Before long, it earned the grim nickname of "Suicide Bridge" after numerous individuals plunged to their deaths. In an attempt to mitigate the tragic loss of life, a suicide barrier was eventually added, reducing the number of incidents. However, the bridge has retained its somber nickname and is often associated with ghostly tales and legends.
The 1920s were a time of continued prosperity and cultural growth for Pasadena. The city continued to attract tourists as a popular winter resort and saw the establishment of several important cultural institutions. The Pasadena Playhouse, founded in 1917, became a renowned center for theatrical arts. The Rose Bowl Stadium, constructed in 1922, cemented Pasadena’s status as a sporting destination. The Grace Nicholson Gallery, established in 1926 and now known as the Pacific Asia Museum, enriched the city’s cultural landscape with its collection of Asian art.
During this era, Route 66, the iconic "Mother Road," was commissioned, passing directly through the heart of Pasadena. This brought even more people and commerce to the city, further stimulating its growth and development. However, the economic boom was short-lived. The Great Depression brought an end to the era of prosperity, significantly impacting Pasadena’s tourist economy, which never fully recovered to its previous levels.
During World War II, Pasadena transformed into a hub for military activity. Many of the city’s hotels were converted into military command headquarters and lodging for soldiers. The Army acquired the Vista del Arroyo Hotel and converted it into a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. This shift reflected the city’s increasing focus on industrial production and its contribution to the war effort.
In December 1940, the Arroyo Seco Parkway was completed, providing a new alignment for Route 66 from Pasadena to Los Angeles. This marked the creation of the first "freeway" in the United States, facilitating faster and more direct travel between the two cities.
The completion of the Arroyo Seco Parkway and the post-World War II economic boom led to a resurgence of growth in Pasadena. By 1950, the city’s population had surpassed 100,000. However, this rapid growth came at a cost. Pasadena, once renowned for its appeal to tourists, became plagued by smog from its expanding industrial areas. The heart of the city began to deteriorate, and major companies started to relocate.
In the decades that followed, Pasadena embarked on a path of recovery, driven by redevelopment initiatives and preservation efforts. Historic homes and buildings were renovated and restored, particularly in Old Pasadena, the city’s original business district. Today, Old Pasadena stands as a vibrant center for dining, shopping, and entertainment, showcasing the city’s commitment to revitalization and historical preservation.
As travelers journey along Route 66 through Pasadena, they encounter a blend of vintage motels and restaurants juxtaposed with modern buildings. Landmarks like the Astro Motel on East Colorado Boulevard offer glimpses into the city’s past. In Old Town, 1920s and 1930s buildings stand alongside contemporary businesses, creating a unique atmosphere that blends the old and the new. The Rose City Diner evokes the ambiance of a bygone era, while Jake’s has been serving Route 66 travelers since 1947. The area is also home to numerous antique stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops.
Beyond Route 66, Pasadena offers a wealth of attractions. The Pacific Asia Museum, located just off Route 66 on North Los Robles Avenue, showcases a diverse collection of Asian art. South of Colorado on Orange Grove lies the Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens, originally built by William Wrigley of chewing gum fame in 1914 and now home to the Tournament of Roses Association.
A drive north on Orange Grove leads to the Gamble House, an exceptional example of Arts and Crafts architecture. South of Colorado Boulevard on El Molino Avenue is the Pasadena Playhouse, a historic theater that has entertained audiences for generations. In neighboring San Marino, the Botanical Gardens and the Huntington Library, Art Collections offer further opportunities for exploration and cultural enrichment.
South Pasadena, a neighboring city with close ties to Pasadena, retains a distinct small-town character. The original 1926 alignment of Route 66 takes travelers through South Pasadena, showcasing its quaint stores and small-town personality. The historic Mission West district on Mission Street reflects the charm and character of the early 1920s and 1930s. The South Pasadena Museum, housed in the original Meridian Iron Works building, features artifacts that trace the history of the San Gabriel Valley. Across the street is the Century House, one of Pasadena’s oldest residences, frequently used as a filming location. The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain, a vintage relic serving Route 66 customers since 1915, is a must-stop destination.
The Rialto Theatre, a historic movie house, sadly closed its doors in 2007 after 81 years of operation. The Colorado Street Bridge, spanning the Arroyo Seco from Pasadena into Eagle Rock, predates Route 66. Its graceful arches and haunting legends make it a compelling landmark.
The Arroyo Seco Parkway, now the Pasadena Freeway (110), offers a scenic route from Pasadena to Los Angeles. The Fair Oaks off-ramp provides access to downtown South Pasadena. The parkway continues, offering views of the San Gabriel Mountains and passing through neighborhoods with craftsman-era bungalows. Along the way, potential stops include the Southwest Museum, the Lummis House, the Audobon Nature Center at Debs Park, Heritage Square, and the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. Near downtown Los Angeles, side trips to Dodger Stadium, Union Station, Elysian Park, Chinatown, and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument offer further opportunities for exploration.
Pasadena, with its rich history, diverse culture, and unique blend of urban and small-town charm, continues to captivate visitors and residents alike.