Santa Anita, California facts for kids
Santa Anita is a special place name in California. It's located inside the city of Arcadia, which is in Los Angeles County. This area sits about 558 feet (170 meters) above sea level.
Santa Anita was once part of a much larger area called Rancho Santa Anita. This "rancho" was a big piece of land used for farming and ranching a long time ago. Today, Santa Anita is known for its famous racetrack and beautiful gardens.
What is Santa Anita?
Santa Anita is a name given to a specific area by the USGS. The USGS helps map and describe places across the United States. So, when you see "Santa Anita" on a map, it refers to this particular spot within Arcadia.
Where is Santa Anita Located?
Santa Anita is found in Southern California. It's part of Los Angeles County, which is a very large and busy area. The city of Arcadia is known for its green spaces and quiet neighborhoods, even though it's close to the big city of Los Angeles.
How High is Santa Anita?
The elevation of Santa Anita is about 558 feet (170 meters). This means it's not at sea level, but a bit higher up. Knowing the elevation can be helpful for understanding the local climate and geography.
History of Santa Anita
The name Santa Anita comes from a Spanish land grant called Rancho Santa Anita. A "land grant" was a gift of land from the government, often to encourage settlement and farming.
Rancho Santa Anita's Beginnings
Rancho Santa Anita was a huge piece of land in the early days of California. It was first granted to a man named Eulogio F. de Celis in 1839. Later, it was owned by other important figures, including Hugo Reid and Lucky Baldwin.
Who was Lucky Baldwin?
Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin was a very famous and wealthy businessman in California. He bought a large part of Rancho Santa Anita in 1875. Baldwin developed the land, building a hotel, a ranch, and even the famous Santa Anita Park racetrack. He had a big impact on how the area grew.
Famous Places in Santa Anita
Santa Anita is home to some well-known landmarks that attract visitors from all over.
Santa Anita Park Racetrack
One of the most famous places is the Santa Anita Park racetrack. It's a historic horse racing track that opened in 1934. Many important races, like the Breeders' Cup, have been held here. It's known for its beautiful Art Deco style architecture and stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
What is Horse Racing?
Horse racing is a sport where horses, ridden by jockeys, compete to see which one is the fastest. It's a very old sport with a rich history. Santa Anita Park is one of the premier places in the world to watch these exciting races.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Another amazing place in Santa Anita is the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This is a huge, beautiful garden with plants from all over the world. It's also home to many peacocks that roam freely.
What Can You See at the Arboretum?
At the Arboretum, you can explore different themed gardens, like a tropical forest, a rose garden, and a desert garden. It's a great place to learn about plants, enjoy nature, and even spot some wildlife, including the colorful peacocks. Many movies and TV shows have also been filmed here because of its beautiful scenery.
Santa Anita Today
Today, Santa Anita is a vibrant part of Arcadia. It continues to be a place where history, nature, and sports come together.
Community and Education
The area around Santa Anita is a thriving community with schools, parks, and homes. It's a family-friendly place that offers many opportunities for learning and recreation.
Why is Santa Anita Important?
Santa Anita is important because of its rich history, its famous landmarks, and its role in the local community. It shows how a place can evolve from a large ranch into a modern, bustling area while still preserving its natural beauty and historical significance.
