Santa Ana

Explore the comprehensive timeline of Santa Ana, covering significant historical events that shaped the city. From its founding to modern developments, discover the rich history and cultural milestones of Santa Ana.

4 juli 1776

24 juli 1835

9 oktober 1869

1 augustus 1889

11 september 1906

18 maart 1919

19 februari 1942

1 februari 1971

7 januari 1981

8 november 1994

15 december 2009

24 oktober 2017

04juli
1776
04 July 1776

Founding of Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano was the seventh of 21 Spanish missions in California, founded by Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order. The mission was founded on November 1, 1776, by Father Junípero Serra in what is now present-day southern Orange County. The mission was named after Giovanni da Capistrano, a 15th-century theologian and 'warrior priest' in the Franciscan order from the Italian town of Capestrano.

24juli
1835
24 July 1835

Santa Ana Becomes Part of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana

In 1834-1835, during the Mexican secularization act of the missions, the territories including what is present-day Santa Ana were granted under the name Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana to Spanish settlers. This significant land grant marked the shift from mission lands back to secular hands and began the development of large ranchos in the region.

09oktober
1869
09 October 1869

Founding of the City of Santa Ana

William H. Spurgeon, a Kentuckian who purchased 70 acres of land in what today is downtown Santa Ana, founded the city on October 9, 1869. He sold lots, helped lay out the streets, established the first schools, and contributed a great deal to the growth of the area. Santa Ana became a hub mainly for agriculture, serving as a key distribution point for Southern California.

01augustus
1889
01 August 1889

Orange County Formed with Santa Ana as County Seat

Orange County was created on August 1, 1889, after several attempts to break away from Los Angeles County. Santa Ana was selected as the county seat after a vote. This separation allowed for more local control over developments in this increasingly populated and agriculturally rich region, ultimately facilitating more tailored governance.

11september
1906
11 September 1906

First Pacific Electric Railway Line to Santa Ana

In September 1906, the first line of Henry E. Huntington's Pacific Electric Railway opened to Santa Ana, connecting Santa Ana to Los Angeles via electric streetcars. This development significantly boosted residential and commercial growth, as the link with Los Angeles facilitated easy commuter access and transport of goods.

18maart
1919
18 March 1919

Incorporation of City of Santa Ana

Santa Ana became officially incorporated as a charter city on March 18, 1919. Incorporation provided the city with greater autonomy to pass laws and expand public services, leading to significant urban development in subsequent decades. This marked a pivotal shift in governance from a rural town to an urban city structure.

19februari
1942
19 February 1942

Santa Ana Army Air Base Established

Santa Ana Army Air Base was established during World War II on February 19, 1942. The base served as a basic training center for pilots and flying officers. Thousands of airmen were trained there, contributing significantly to the war effort. After the war, the base was decommissioned and transformed for civilian use.

01februari
1971
01 February 1971

Santa Ana Becomes Orange County's Largest City

In February 1971, Santa Ana became the largest city in Orange County by population, surpassing Anaheim. This milestone illustrated the rapid post-war growth and suburban development occurring within the region, marking Santa Ana as a major urban center in Southern California.

07januari
1981
07 January 1981

Santa Ana River Flood Control Project Completed

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the Santa Ana River Flood Control Project in January 1981. This project provided critical infrastructure improvements aimed at flood prevention for the surrounding areas, which were historically prone to flooding due to seasonal rains. As a result, it increased safety and promoted growth in Santa Ana and nearby cities.

08november
1994
08 November 1994

Natividad Creek Park Opens in Santa Ana

Natividad Creek Park was officially opened in November 1994, providing a major recreational space for residents to enjoy outdoor activities. The park includes amenities such as jogging paths, picnic areas, and sports fields, promoting community health and wellness. It became a staple recreational area, symbolizing urban renewal initiatives within Santa Ana.

15december
2009
15 December 2009

Orange County Register Ceases Printing in Santa Ana

On December 15, 2009, the Orange County Register, one of the area's major newspapers, ceased its operations from its Santa Ana print site. The closure was part of a broader trend in the newspaper industry dealing with declining print revenue and the shift toward digital media. It marked a significant change for local journalism as digital formats became more prevalent.

24oktober
2017
24 October 2017

OC Streetcar Project Initiated

On October 24, 2017, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Orange County Streetcar project took place. This project aimed to create a streetcar line connecting Santa Ana to Garden Grove, enhancing public transportation. The project signified efforts to modernize transit infrastructure and improve urban mobility in response to growing population demands.

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