The Evolution of West Covina
From Walnut Groves to Headquarters City
West Covina, a city located in the beautiful San Gabriel Valley, has a unique and storied history that stretches back to the Mission days in 1771. The land that now comprises West Covina was originally part of the vast Rancho La Puente, which was sold to John Rowland and William Workman by Governor Pico in 1845. The area began to take shape when E. J. "Lucky" Baldwin acquired Workman's land in 1876 and started selling portions of it as subdivisions. This marked the arrival of the first permanent settlers, who started building their homes and cultivating the land.
In parallel, Joseph S. Phillips established the town of Covina to the north and east of Baldwin's holdings. Covina was initially part of the expansive Daltons' Rancho Azusa, and as time passed, a significant portion of its land eventually fell within the boundaries of West Covina. The two communities, West Covina and Covina, grew side by side, sharing common values and aspirations.
West Covina's early days were characterized by its focus on walnut cultivation, setting it apart from its neighboring cities that primarily cultivated citrus crops. The availability of abundant underground water made the region well-suited for walnut groves, leading to the development of a thriving walnut industry. While waiting for the walnut trees to mature, farmers ingeniously planted crops such as beans and potatoes between the rows. Additionally, they adorned the streets with palm and other trees to enhance the community's beauty.
On February 3, 1923, West Covina was officially incorporated as a city to protect its residents' interests from the nearby City of Covina. Covina had purchased land for a "sewer farm," raising concerns among West Covina's growers about potential contamination of the groundwater. Faced with a lack of assistance from county and state governments, the community decided to form its own city, enacting zoning and land-use laws to safeguard their resources and way of life.
The search for a disposal site by the City of Covina resulted in West Covina's first major expansion in the 1930s, the first of many to come. While Covina eventually sold its land, the growth of West Covina continued unabated. However, unlike its neighboring cities, West Covina never developed a distinct business district or a bustling "Main Street" of its own. Instead, it was known as a "huge walnut grove with a mayor," capturing the essence of its unique identity. Unfortunately, it also gained a less favorable reputation as the worst speed trap in Southern California due to its strategic location along major transportation routes.
Despite the absence of a centralized business hub, West Covina continued to attract young families seeking a balance between proximity to industry and the allure of a more relaxed, rural environment. In the 1950s, the city experienced remarkable growth, emerging as the fastest-growing city in the United States by 1955. This rapid expansion sometimes outpaced the provision of essential services, with telephone service being delayed for individual homes, and schools operating on a double session basis.
Today, West Covina stands proudly as the headquarters city of the San Gabriel Valley, a testament to its remarkable growth and transition over the decades. Its history is intertwined with that of its neighbors, as the region collectively evolved from livestock and agriculture to thriving industrial and residential centers. The settlers who arrived seeking a better life for themselves and their families brought with them values, ideals, and aspirations that have shaped the entire San Gabriel Valley, creating a place that residents can be proud to call home.
Contact us
1411 W. 190th Street, Suite 225,
Los Angeles, CA 90248
310-373-0602
Info@CoastlineEquity.net