Going Downtown Arcadia

This region was part of the homeland of the Tongva people for more than 8,000 years. The Tongva tribe oversaw a wide territory that extended throughout the Los Angeles Basin, plus the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys. In 1771, the future site of Arcadia became part of the Spanish Mission San Gabriel Arcángel holdings.

Over the next century, the Rancho changed ownership several times. Finally, in 1875, Elias Jackson ‘Lucky’ Baldwin altered history. The Gold Rush immigrant and entrepreneur bought 8,000 acres of Rancho Santa Anita for $200,000 — a hefty sum in those days.

As you stroll our Downtown streets, you’ll spot several History Lives Here markers: at First and Huntington, depicting the original City Hall, at First and California for the first school, at Huntington and Santa Anita Avenue for the WWI military balloon school; and at Arcadia Transit Plaza/Gold Line Station honoring the original train station and Lucky Baldwin’s elegant Oakwood Hotel.

You can also trace our horse racing history with the Thoroughbred Racing Walk of Champions along Huntington Drive, honoring jockeys, horses, and other notables.

When Lucky Baldwin first saw this beautiful countryside, replete with streams and waterfalls, reports are he declared, “By Gads! This is paradise!” We agree. We think you will, too.

Check back often — our Downtown Arcadia events page is always changing. Visit our Downtown Directory for a handy guide to merchants in the Arcadia Improvement Association (AIA) and nearby businesses.

Here are a few of our favorite places where you can learn more about Arcadia past and present. Make us part of your future. See you soon!