Anaheim/OC History - Printable Version

From Rural Suburb of the 50s...

In the 1950’s the world was a different place than it is today. Some say it was a simpler moment, a time of innocence and “wonder years.” Perhaps it was, but during this decade of conformity and an unprecedented baby boom, new ideas were born.

During this period Orange County was still a fairly rural community, but it was growing at a phenomenal rate. A large portion of this growth was due to the hundreds of WWII servicemen who discovered this slice of Southern California paradise during basic training and came back here after the war to build new lives.

Industries like aerospace were also finding a home in Orange County, and it seemed this region of Southern California was destined for a bright future.

In 1955, the Stanford Research Company pointed to Anaheim as the future of Southern California for Walt Disney. It was here that he carved out his dream: a place adults and children could enjoy together and be entertained in a land of playful imagination. He called it Disneyland.

Many people scoffed at the idea of an amusement park being built in this rural community in the middle of orange groves.  Critics wondered how such an idea could be successful when nothing like this was ever tried before.  They considered the dream to be destined to fail.

Obviously, the critics were wrong, as on a hot day in July in 1955, Disneyland® opened to thousands of visitors anxious to see the new theme park.  Although not everything ran as smoothly as they planned, it was still considered an instant American hit.

For nearly 50 years, this pop-icon has achieved universal appeal and brought millions of visitors to Anaheim since its inception.

...to Metropolitan Trendsetter in the 21st Century

Today, Orange County has a population of nearly three million people and is considered a major metropolitan center. It has grown up alongside its neighbor to the north, Los Angeles.

Once just considered merely a bedroom community, today Anaheim and Orange County are recognized as a world-class destination. It has achieved national and international recognition as a leading leisure and business site.

Due to the hit TV series, many people now refer to this area as “The OC,” which depicts life here as hip, rich and vibrant.

In reality, this region includes a wealth of varied options and opportunities to discover. Its rich cultures include a diverse population with a proud ancestry and vibrant Latino and Asian populations.

This land of plentiful sunshine, majestic mountain backdrops and miles of soothing beaches spans 798 square miles and is composed of 34 cities, all with their own unique personality and charm.

Orange County is world-famous for its theme parks, distinguished shopping centers, dynamic meeting venues and trendy communities.

Its entrepreneurs have pioneered the surfing, sportswear, biomedical, aeronautical, coffee and theme park industries. This region encapsulates the California lifestyle and experience, with its casual sophistication and spirit of hospitality.

Orange County is considered by many to be the best that Southern California has to offer and the embodiment of the “California Dream.”