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Brea, California

Located in Orange County, California, Brea was established in 1917. 'Brea' means 'tar' in Spanish — named for oil/tar seeps. Major oil producing town in the early 1900s.
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Founded 1917 | Population 48,000 | Peak 48,000 (2024) | County Orange County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Brea, California

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1885 Railroad Era: Railroad connections spurred growth and commerce in Brea.
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1917 Founded: Brea was founded as a railroad town in Orange County.
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1950 Economic Development: Brea grew through the oil and petroleum industry.
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2010 Modern Era: Brea continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Brea

Jan 1, 1970
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Misses Out On $61,000 Over This Tough Puzzle
A Wheel of Fortune contestant saw $61,000 slip away in the Bonus Round last week, leaving fans stunned over what many called one o…
Jan 1, 1970
Dead or Missing Scientists Pose “National Security Threat,” Top House Republican Warns as Oversight Committee Launches Probe
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has declared a series of deaths and disappearances involving at least 11 Am…
Jan 1, 1970
Trump’s Psychedelic Pivot: Executive Order Accelerates Review of Mind-Altering Drugs for Mental Health Crisis
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to fast-track the review and potential app…
Jan 1, 1970
White House Signals Review of Mysterious Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists in Sensitive Fields
The Trump administration has indicated it will examine a cluster of unexplained deaths and disappearances involving at least 10 Am…
Jan 1, 1970
California’s “Stop Nick Shirley Act”: Privacy Measure or Assault on Investigative Journalism?
California lawmakers advanced a controversial bill Monday that critics have dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” raising sharp …
Jan 1, 1970
Sexual Assault Probe and Staff Revolt Threaten to End Congressman’s California Gubernatorial Bid
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s once-promising campaign for California governor has unraveled with breathtaking speed. In little more than …

Complete Historical Timeline

1885 Transport
Railroad Era
1917 Culture
Founded
1950 Industry
Economic Development
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
'Brea' means 'tar' in Spanish — named for oil/tar seeps.
2
Major oil producing town in the early 1900s.
3
Brea Mall is a popular regional shopping center.
4
Brea is located in Orange County, California.
5
Brea was founded in 1917.

Famous People from Brea, California

NZ
Nikki Ziering
Actor, Playboy Playmate · Born Aug 9, 1971 · Age 54
SB
Stephanie J. Block
Actor, Singer · Born Sep 19, 1972 · Age 53
KF
Kyle Fogg
Basketball Player · Born Jan 27, 1990 · Age 36

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