Newport Beach History

Originally inhabited by the Tongva and Juaneño/ Luiseño nations, the area was discovered by Spanish in 1602 and they began to settle Newport as well as the surrounding areas in what is now Orange County.

The Mexican-American war in 1848 resulted in the establishment of American rule in California in 1850. By 1870 the first steamer supply ship made it into the upper newport bay. The captain of that steamer Captain Samuel S. Dunnells named the area the rather unimaginative New Port. Dunnells established the warf that is now Newport Landing.

The McFadden brothers controlled much of the land of modern day Newport Beach and they were responsible for building a great deal of the area. In 1888 they built what is now the Newport Pier as a commercial fishing and shipping center, which it quickly became the largest business in Orange County. This lasted until the Government allocated funds for a new seaport in San Pedro.

Later in 1906 the Pacific Electric Railway came all the way to the Balboa Pavillion, which opened the area to tourists and visitors. Not much later the same year Newport Beach became incorporated.

The early 20th century was a time of great development for the area, Balboa Island was annexed in 1916, and later in 1923 Corona Del Mar was annexed as well. The Newport stretch of Pacific Coast Highway and the bridge over Upper Bay were built in 1926 allowing for further development of the area.

Today the community of Newport is still proud of its nautical beginnings and the people who worked to make the area successful. There are a variety of historical attractions open to the public, which allow visitors and residents alike to learn more about the history of this city.