City history
Trace the journey of Anaheim from its 19th-century German roots to its modern evolution as a premier destination in Southern California.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"One home"
While the region was historically inhabited by the Tongva people, the first documented settlement name is the Anaheim Colony, established by German immigrants.
Likely derived from the German Einheim, meaning one home.
A planned agricultural community for German settlers.
Incorporated municipality.
The city transitioned from a colony to an official municipality.
Chapter two
The adoption of standardized time zones by railroads replaced local solar time across the region.
The United States introduced daylight saving time to adjust to seasonal shifts and conserve energy.
Chapter three
German immigrants established a colony focused on viticulture and agriculture.
The community officially incorporated, establishing a formal local government.
The opening of Disneyland fundamentally shifted Anaheim from an agricultural town to a global tourism hub.
Major expansions to the convention facilities solidified the city as a business center.