Timeline of Anaheim, California facts for kids

This is a timeline showing the important events in the history of Anaheim, California, a city in the United States. Anaheim is famous for many things, especially for being home to Disneyland. Let's explore how this city grew and changed over the years!

Anaheim's Early Days: The 1800s

• 1858 – The area was settled and given the name "Annaheim."
• 1859 – The Anaheim Water Company was started to provide water to the growing community.
• 1862 – The area experienced a flood.
• 1869 – A schoolhouse was rebuilt, showing the community's focus on education.
• 1870
  • The City of Anaheim officially became an incorporated city. This means it became its own legal town with its own government.
  • The Anaheim Gazette newspaper began publishing, sharing local news.
  • The Anaheim Police Department was created to help keep the city safe.
  • The population of Anaheim was 881 people.
• 1871 – The City Hall building was constructed.
• 1875 – The Southern Pacific railway started operating, making it easier for people and goods to travel to and from Anaheim.
• 1878 – The California Brewery opened for business.
• 1887 – The Santa Fe Railroad also began operating in the area, adding more transportation options.
• 1895 – The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce was established. This group helps local businesses and the community grow.

Growing Up: The 1900s

• 1902 – The Anaheim Public Library was established, offering books and resources to residents.
• 1911 – The Anaheim Orange Growers Association was officially formed. This group helped local farmers who grew oranges.
• 1919
  • The Anaheim Citrus Packing House was built. This was a place where oranges and other citrus fruits were prepared for shipping.
  • A public park was created around this time, giving people a place to relax and play.
• 1923 – The Anaheim Morning Bulletin newspaper began publication.
• 1938 – The city was affected by the Los Angeles flood of 1938.
• 1941 – The Prado Dam was built near Anaheim. Dams help control water and prevent floods.
• 1944 – The Yorba Orange Growers Association was established.
• 1955 – A very special place opened: Disneyland! Also, the Anaheim Drive-In cinema opened, where people could watch movies from their cars.
• 1966 – Anaheim Stadium opened. This stadium became home to sports teams.
• 1967 – The Anaheim Convention Center opened. This large building hosts many events and conferences. The public library's Anaheim History Room also opened, preserving the city's past.
• 1968 – The Fox Cinemaland theatre began showing movies.
• 1970 – The population of Anaheim grew to 166,701 people.
• 1972 – The Anaheim Hills Golf Course opened for golf enthusiasts.
• 1974 – The Living Stream Ministry moved to Anaheim around this time.
• 1976 – The Anaheim Historical Society was founded. This group works to protect and share Anaheim's history.
• 1987 – The Anaheim Museum was established, showcasing local history and art.
• 1990 – The population continued to grow, reaching 266,406 people.
• 1991 – The East West Community Church was established.
• 1992 – Tom Daly became the mayor of Anaheim. The mayor is the leader of the city government.
• 1993
  • The Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim (an arena) opened. Arenas are large indoor venues for sports and concerts.
  • The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim ice hockey team was formed. They played their games at the new arena.
• 1994 – South Baylo University moved its campus to Anaheim.
• 1997
  • The City of Anaheim launched its official website online.
  • Loretta Sanchez became the U.S. representative for California's 46th congressional district. A U.S. Representative is a person elected to speak for their area in the U.S. Congress.
• 1998 – The Anaheim Transportation Network was established to help people get around the city.
• 2000 – The population reached 328,014 people.

Anaheim in the New Millennium: The 2000s and Beyond

• 2001
  • The Islamic Institute of Orange County was built.
  • Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney opened right next to Disneyland, offering even more fun and entertainment.
• 2002 – Curt Pringle became the new mayor of Anaheim.
• 2008
  • The Anaheim GardenWalk opened to the public. This is an outdoor shopping and entertainment center.
  • The Garden Walk cinema also opened there.
• 2010
  • Tom Tait became the mayor of Anaheim.
  • The population of Anaheim was 336,265 people. The larger Los Angeles metropolitan area had a population of 12,828,837.
• 2012 – July 21: Events related to the Anaheim police shooting and protests began.
• 2020 – The COVID-19 Pandemic reached the city. This global health event had a big impact on the community, society, economy, and the culture of Anaheim.
• 2021 – The Disneyland Resort reopened after being temporarily closed due to the pandemic.