For many, Anaheim and Disneyland are one and the same. However, Disneyland didn’t debut until 1955—and Anaheim was founded in 1857! It all began with German immigrants and wine grapes. The Anaheim colony was originally 1,165 acres, and it’s first name was “Annaheim,” with “Anna” an homage to the Santa Ana River and, of course, “heim” is “home” in German. It underwent a brief alteration to drop that extra “n.”
Before Anaheim was the Disney capital, it was the state wine capital. In just ten years after colonization, 47 wineries popped up. However, a plant virus killed most of the vineyards in the 1880s, and residents opted to grow oranges instead. Yaqui Indians in Mexico were hired for labor, then Chinese immigrants were favored. Downtown Anaheim is still rich with Chinese influences.
A Magical History
Anaheim did well with oranges until 1955, when the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) and Disneyland came to town. Immediately, it became a tourist destination. Today, Anaheim encompasses 46 square miles, and 311,000 residents call it home. It’s the richest city in the county and has the largest populous.
Beyond Disneyland, key sites include the Ramon Peralta Adobe Historic Site, the Mother Colony House, and the North Gate of the City of Anaheim. You may also want to visit Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church and the Site of San Pedro Gate.
