Beverly Grove
Last Updated on Sep 25, 2025
Beverly Hills, founded in 1914, has a rich history that intertwines with luxury and allure. The area was initially developed by Burton Green and other investors, who envisioned a community of upscale homes. They named it "Beverly Hills" after Beverly Farms, a picturesque coastal town in Massachusetts, seeking to capture its charm and prestige. The Beverly Hills Hotel, known as the “Pink Palace,” opened in 1912, two years before the city’s incorporation, serving as a luxurious focal point and attracting Hollywood’s elite. Beverly Hills grew into an iconic destination, with Rodeo Drive becoming its most famous shopping district. Rodeo Drive’s rise to prominence began in the 1960s when high-end boutiques and fashion houses established a presence, transforming it into a global symbol of opulence and style.
Gaspar de Portolá's journey in 1769 led him to what would later be known as Beverly Hills. Tracing native trails, he followed the path that would eventually be etched by Wilshire Boulevard. It was in 1828 that the land saw its first settlers, María Rita Quinteros de Valdez and her husband. Their estate, the Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas, spanned an impressive 4,500 acres. Later, in 1854, the property changed hands to Benjamin Davis Wilson and Henry Hancock. As the 1880s dawned, the once sprawling ranch began to fragment into smaller parcels, attracting Anglos from both Los Angeles and the East Coast.
Henry Hammel and Andrew H. Denker entered the picture, acquiring significant portions of the land. Initially earmarked for lima bean farming, the area soon took on new ambitions. Plans for a town named "Morocco" began to materialize, with development visions stirring in the minds of Hammel and Denker.
In 1900, a consortium of investors including Burton E. Green and Charles A. Canfield formed the Amalgamated Oil Company. Their eyes turned toward the Hammel and Denker ranch, seeking oil reserves. While their hopes for a black gold rush were dashed, a new vision emerged. The Rodeo Land and Water Company took shape, rebranding the land as "Beverly Hills" in 1906. Inspired by Beverly Farms in Massachusetts and the scenic hills that characterized the area, the name resonated with a sense of elegance.
Beverly Hills, California, derives its name from Beverly Farms, a coastal community in Massachusetts. The developers of Beverly Hills in the early 20th century sought inspiration from the lush, rolling landscapes of that region when naming their new community. The Massachusetts connection was chosen to evoke a sense of charm, elegance, and prestige, which they hoped to replicate in their Southern California development. Over time, Beverly Hills became synonymous with luxury and glamour, far outshining its East Coast namesake in global recognition.
By 1911, Burton Green had laid the cornerstone for what would become the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. Completed in 1912, its allure drew visitors who soon became enamored with the surrounding land. In 1914, Beverly Hills attained the status of an independent city, spurred on by the influx of settlers. The glittering presence of Hollywood luminaries like Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, who built their estate dubbed "Pickfair," only added to its cachet.
Pickfair, a legendary estate in Beverly Hills, was built in 1919 by silent film icons Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. This palatial home quickly became a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age, hosting glamorous parties attended by A-list stars, international royalty, and influential figures of the era. Dubbed the "White House of Hollywood," Pickfair was more than just a residence; it was a cultural landmark that marked the beginning of Beverly Hills as the epicenter for movie stars and elite society. The couple's purchase and transformation of the estate not only solidified their status as Hollywood royalty but also established Beverly Hills as a prestigious enclave for the entertainment industry's biggest names.
In the early 1920s, the burgeoning population raised concerns about water supply, sparking political tensions. The proposition of annexation by Los Angeles met staunch resistance from notable residents like Fairbanks and Pickford. The Beverly Hills Utility Commission flexed its muscle, ultimately thwarting annexation plans. The city flourished, witnessing the construction of landmarks like the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and the opulent Greystone Mansion.
Rodeo Drive, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, has evolved from a modest stretch of small houses and local businesses in the 1950s into an iconic symbol of luxury and sophistication. The transformation began in the late 1960s when high-end designer brands like Gucci established a presence, drawing an elite clientele and cementing Rodeo Drive’s reputation as the glamour capital of the world. Today, this famed three-block stretch is synonymous with opulence, showcasing flagship stores of the most coveted fashion houses and attracting visitors seeking the ultimate shopping and cultural experience.
The 21st century brought its own set of challenges and transformations to Beverly Hills. From battling traffic congestion to grappling with environmental concerns like water conservation, the city navigated the modern landscape. It took bold steps, such as replacing lawns with native plants to combat drought and forging international partnerships for water management. Initiatives like the Ambassador Program for the homeless and the establishment of community amenities like the Beverly Hills Community Dog Park underscored the city's commitment to its residents' well-being and quality of life.
Historic Route 66, also known as U.S. Highway 66 or the Will Rogers Highway, was established in 1926 as the primary route for travelers journeying from America's interior to the West Coast. Spanning 2,450 miles, it became one of the earliest and most iconic automobile routes in the United States. By the mid-1930s, Route 66 extended into Los Angeles from Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard, connecting to several major roadways, including Sunset Boulevard, and eventually passed through Beverly Hills on its way to the Santa Monica Pier. Today, the City of Beverly Hills celebrates this historic route with distinctive signage along North Santa Monica Boulevard, designed to highlight the city’s connection to the legendary highway. The signage, which mirrors the city's iconic shield logo, was developed with input from various city commissions and approved by the Beverly Hills City Council in 2018. Visitors can now spot six Route 66 signs along the boulevard, as well as bike lane markers, with plans for additional pavement markers in the future. Whether on foot, by bike, or by car, travelers can enjoy the journey through Beverly Hills on the famed Route 66, a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural significance.