History 101
DeMille’s Legendary Film
The Filming of The Ten Commandments
What is the background of the silent movie The Ten Commandments; was it made around here? Read story.
Oreña Family Legacy
The Story of the Adobes on East De la Guerra Street
What is the story of the Oreña adobes on East De la Guerra Street? Read story.
The Big Earthquake of 1857
The Tejon Temblor was the Second Strongest in State History
The Tejon temblor, the second strongest in state history after the San Francisco 1906 quake, rocked Santa Barbara at 8:20 a.m. Read story.
The Hammonds and Their Montecito Estate
Well-to-do Boston Family Relocates to S.B. and Buys Bonnymeade in 1912
Well-to-do Boston family relocates to S.B. and buys Bonnymeade in 1912. Read story.
Pro Baseball in S.B.
In 1941 a Brooklyn Farm Club Took Up Residence in S.B.
Is it true that Santa Barbara once was the home of professional baseball? Read story.
The Child Estate
What is the origin of the Santa Barbara Zoo? —Erma Cook
The Junior Chamber of Commerce led a fund drive to develop the grounds into a children’s park and by the early 1960s, the idea of a small zoo took hold. Read story.
Los Olivos
History of Olive Cultivation in S.B.
What is the history of olive cultivation in the Santa Barbara area? —Joseph Toth Read story.
Mission Founding
When Was the S.B. Mission Built?
Although Mission Santa Barbara was founded on December 4, 1786, it was not until more than 40 years later that the church we now recognize as the mission was built. Read story.
Legendary Landscaper
Horticulturist Ralph Tallant Stevens Devoted Himself to Beautifying Santa Barbara
Stevens Park is named in honor of Ralph Tallant Stevens, a horticulturist and landscape architect who devoted himself to beautifying Santa Barbara. Read story.
Thaddeus Welch
Landscape Painter Makes S.B. His Home
By the time of his death in Santa Barbara in 1919, Welch was considered one of California’s finest landscape painters. Read story.
Who was Samuel Crow?
S.B. Superior Court Judge Who Saved Tucker’s Grove in 1911
The S.B. Superior Court judge is best known for saving Tucker’s Grove in 1911 from developers. Read story.
I would like to know about Nathan Bentz. —Chris Agliotti
Santa Barbara Antique Seller Found Success with Asian Art
Santa Barbara antique seller found success with Asian art. Read story.
What is the history of Orcutt?
The Town Was Once a Major Player the California Oil Industry
Orcutt was founded as a boom town, riding a high tide of oil production in the Santa Maria Valley in the early 1900s. Read story.
Who Was Richard Hall?
S.B.'s First Director of Cottage Hospital
Although S.B. was developing a reputation as a health resort in the 1870s, the city didn't have a hospital until 1891. Read story.
What is the history of the estate that houses the Music Academy of the West?
In 1950, the Estate Known as Miraflores Became the College's Permanent Home
In 1950, the estate known as Miraflores became the college's permanent home. Read story.
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