Early Monrovia History
The city of Monrovia is one of the oldest towns in the San Gabriel Valley and is located about 15 miles northeast of Los Angeles. In 1887 it became the fourth city to be incorporated in Los Angeles County (after Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Pasadena). Today it is a thriving community of 37,000 but still retains much of the character that drew people from the east out west in the late 1800s. With a charming old town on Myrtle Avenue and over 2500 pre-1940 homes, the area has managed to survive the forces of change in its over 125-year history. In 1995-96 the city was honored with an All-America City Award from the National Civic League, one of just ten cities nationwide receiving the honor that year.
Take a sidewalk stroll among the homes in the residential areas, and you can easily imagine what it must have been like to live here over a century ago. While the prohibition against liquor is no longer in force in town (it was a major influence factor which led to incorporation in 1887), the signs are everywhere that you are in the midst of a special community.
The residents have shown that they are willing to fund a cause they perceive to be in the best interests of the city. In 2000 an election was held in which property owners agreed to a tax increase to fund the purchase of hillside properties to prevent further development. Today the wilderness preserve encompasses 1,416 acres in the mountains above Monrovia and will remain undeveloped in perpetuity. In addition when the state was unable to fund a new, badly needed library building, the citizens voted through taxation to build it themselves. It was completed in 2009, under time and under budget. These are but two examples of the importance Monrovians place on protecting and preserving the character of this suburban enclave.
Early Years
Back in the 1800s the land that was to become the town of Monrovia belonged to two ranchos, the Santa Anita Rancho and the Azusa de Duarte Rancho which met at present day Norumbega Drive. Nearby land was primarily used for cattle ranching, but two years of rain followed by a severe drought in the 1860s forced the ranchers to sell off their land, and almost 9,000 acres of Rancho Santa Anita was purchased by E.J. “Lucky” Baldwin in 1875. It was from Baldwin that William Monroe, the founder of Monrovia, bought 240 acres in 1884. Monroe, along with four other partners, created a 120-acre town site centered at Orange (now Colorado) and Myrtle Avenues. Lots went on sale on May 17, 1886 (The date now recognized as when the city was founded), and the town of Monrovia was born.
Take a sidewalk stroll among the homes in the residential areas, and you can easily imagine what it must have been like to live here over a century ago. While the prohibition against liquor is no longer in force in town (it was a major influence factor which led to incorporation in 1887), the signs are everywhere that you are in the midst of a special community.
The residents have shown that they are willing to fund a cause they perceive to be in the best interests of the city. In 2000 an election was held in which property owners agreed to a tax increase to fund the purchase of hillside properties to prevent further development. Today the wilderness preserve encompasses 1,416 acres in the mountains above Monrovia and will remain undeveloped in perpetuity. In addition when the state was unable to fund a new, badly needed library building, the citizens voted through taxation to build it themselves. It was completed in 2009, under time and under budget. These are but two examples of the importance Monrovians place on protecting and preserving the character of this suburban enclave.
Early Years
Back in the 1800s the land that was to become the town of Monrovia belonged to two ranchos, the Santa Anita Rancho and the Azusa de Duarte Rancho which met at present day Norumbega Drive. Nearby land was primarily used for cattle ranching, but two years of rain followed by a severe drought in the 1860s forced the ranchers to sell off their land, and almost 9,000 acres of Rancho Santa Anita was purchased by E.J. “Lucky” Baldwin in 1875. It was from Baldwin that William Monroe, the founder of Monrovia, bought 240 acres in 1884. Monroe, along with four other partners, created a 120-acre town site centered at Orange (now Colorado) and Myrtle Avenues. Lots went on sale on May 17, 1886 (The date now recognized as when the city was founded), and the town of Monrovia was born.
Significant Dates
(first 60 years)
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May 17, 1886
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The first lots go on sale for the 120-acre town site of Monrovia.
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1886
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The first newspaper, the Monrovia Planet, begins publication.
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December 15, 1887
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Monrovia becomes the 4th city in Los Angeles County to be incorporated.
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1894
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The first library board is elected. The men who were elected promptly resign so that women could be appointed in their places.
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1899
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Monrovia is finally assured of an adequate water supply with the purchase of the Chapman Wells for $3,973.
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1900
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The population of Monrovia hits 1500.
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1903
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The world-famous Pottenger Sanatorium opens for the treatment of tuberculosis (consumption) and other lung diseases.
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1904
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House numbers first appear on homes.
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1905
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Library park is purchased with bond issue funds; the Carnegie Library opens in February, 1908.
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1907
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Monrovia’s first movie theater opens.
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1909
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The first light standards are installed on Myrtle Avenue.
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1910
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10 people are arrested for exceeding the speed limit (8 mph) on city streets.
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1920s
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The Boxx Jewelers street clock is installed on Myrtle Avenue.
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1942
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Pulitzer-prize winning author Upton Sinclair moves to Monrovia, staying until 1964.
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