The year 2020 marks La Mirada’s diamond anniversary! La Mirada has grown from its early days of citrus and olive groves to the desirable family-friendly community residents enjoy today. This featured historical timeline recognizes important moments in the City’s rich history.

1885

The George House was built in 1885 as a caretakers home, and is the oldest home in La Mirada.

1890

Andrew McNally, founder and president of Rand McNally Publishing Company, came to California in the 1880’s. In the early 1890’s, he finalized his purchase of almost 2,300 acres of rangeland. He named the area La Mirada, which in Spanish means “The View.”

1892

The Neff Mansion was built in 1892 and owned by the McNally family. The mansion and the park were donated to the City by the family.

1930

Oranges and other citrus fruits proved to be a significant part of what was produced at the McNally Ranch.

1955

Cor Van Dam owned a Drive In Dairy Store on Valley View Avenue. The store offered fresh dairy products to local families.

1956

By 1956, new residents were attracted to the area by the reasonable cost of new homes and the quiet country-like atmosphere of the area. Thirteen housing tracts were developed and homes sold for $15,000 to $20,000.

1960

As La Mirada’s population grew in the late 1950’s, community members went door to door asking fellow residents to sign a petition so that La Mirada could officially become a City. Voters approved and incorporation was certified on March 23, 1960.

1961

Early City business was carried out in a small building in the shopping center at the southeast corner of Rosecrans Avenue and Valley View Avenue. In 1961, City offices were moved to the new La Mirada Shopping Center (current Theatre Center).

1970

By the 1970’s, La Mirada saw many developments including: a regional park, a mall, City Hall, and a Civic Theatre. The City also became known as the “Courtesy Capital of the World.”

1977

Construction of the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts began in April 1976. A sold out grand opening featuring Tony Bennett was held on September 16, 1977.

1983

Behringer Park was dedicated in September 1983. The park featured six baseball fields and four soccer/football fields. To meet the demand of local youth, Behringer Park North was dedicated in 1998 featuring four additional softball fields and two overlay soccer fields.

1984

The Olympic Games were held in Los Angeles in the summer of 1984. Runners bearing the Olympic Torch made their way through La Mirada.

1997

Peter Pan was the first show produced at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts to tour across the nation and performed on Broadway. The show was co-produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment and the Nederlander Organization.

1997

The La Mirada Community Gymnasium was dedicated in October 1997. The facility was designed to meet the athletic needs of the community and provide opportunities for youth to participate in various sports camps, activities, and athletic leagues.

2001

The La Mirada Activity Center opened in 2001 and has since become a daily part of many community members’ lives. The facility houses several programs including Café on the Green, Meals on Wheels, and SeniorNet.

2001

The La Mirada Resource Center opened in March of 2001 and serves as a location where community members of all ages gather to participate in a wide variety of recreation programs.

2007

Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center opened in November 2007, and has become a popular destination. Splash! was designed to meet the instructional, competitive, therapeutic, and recreational needs of the community.

2008

In 2008, CNN Money Magazine ranked La Mirada third in California and 24th in the nation as the "Best Place to Live."

2013

La Mirada was honored by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation as the “Most Business-Friendly City.” The award recognizes the City’s efforts to provide a supportive business environment. The City received the award again in 2019.

2016

In early 2016, the La Mirada County Library, which was built in 1969, underwent a $4 million interior renovation. The Library was temporarily relocated to the La Mirada Resource Center until the project was completed in 2017.