Early History and Founding

Indigenous Roots

Before European contact, the area now known as Santa Ana was inhabited by the Tongva people. This Indigenous group thrived in Southern California for thousands of years, relying on the natural bounty of rivers, coastal plains, and oak forests. The Santa Ana River provided water and food, and nearby coastal trade routes connected the Tongva with other tribes across the region.

Spanish and Mexican Era

In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers arrived and began colonizing the area. The establishment of Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776 marked the beginning of major cultural and territorial changes. The land encompassing present-day Santa Ana became part of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, a sprawling land grant awarded to José Antonio Yorba in 1810 by the Spanish Crown, later confirmed by Mexican authorities after independence. This period saw the introduction of cattle ranching, agriculture, and new social hierarchies under Spanish and Mexican rule.

American Annexation and City Founding

Following the Mexican-American War, California became a U.S. territory in 1848, and soon after a state in 1850. Santa Ana was officially founded in 1869 by William H. Spurgeon, who purchased 76 acres of land from the Yorba family. Spurgeon laid out streets and began promoting the area as a new settlement. The town quickly grew as it attracted settlers, boosted by the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1877. In 1889, Santa Ana became the seat of the newly formed Orange County, cementing its importance in the region.