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Pacific Grove, California

Pacific Grove is a city situated on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, on the Central Coast of California.
Population 15,090

Top Events in Pacific Grove History

1
1833Government
During the Mexican era, the area was granted by Governor José Figueroa to local merchant José Abrego as part of Rancho Punta de Piños, in 1833.
2
1853History
The second group of people to come to Pacific Grove were Chinese immigrants as early as 1853.
3
1874History
In 1874, Reverend J.W.
4
1875Government
By 1875, the Pacific Improvement Company owned most of the area and founded the modern settlement of Pacific Grove as a Methodist retreat.
5
1879History
In November 1879, after the summer campers returned home, Robert Louis Stevenson wandered into the deserted campgrounds: "I have never been in any place so dreamlike.
6
1886Architecture
Indeed, it was not so much like a deserted town as like a scene upon the stage by daylight, and with no one on the boards." The Pacific Grove post office opened in 1886, closed ...
7
1887History
The El Carmelo Hotel was Pacific Grove's first hotel, opening to guests on May 20, 1887.
8
1889Government
Pacific Grove incorporated in 1889.
9
1892Government
It was founded in 1892, originally at the site of Lover's Point, making it the oldest marine laboratory on the US Pacific Coast, and the third-oldest in the US.
10
1905Economy
Jacks sold the property to The Pacific Improvement Company which attempted removal of the Chinese American community in 1905 due to several development interests including Stanf...

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Historical Timeline

1833Government
During the Mexican era, the area was granted by Governor José Figueroa to local merchant José Abrego as part of Rancho Punta de Piños, in 1833.
1853History
The second group of people to come to Pacific Grove were Chinese immigrants as early as 1853.
1874History
In 1874, Reverend J.W.
1875Government
By 1875, the Pacific Improvement Company owned most of the area and founded the modern settlement of Pacific Grove as a Methodist retreat.
1879History
In November 1879, after the summer campers returned home, Robert Louis Stevenson wandered into the deserted campgrounds: "I have never been in any place so dreamlike.
1886Architecture
Indeed, it was not so much like a deserted town as like a scene upon the stage by daylight, and with no one on the boards." The Pacific Grove post office opened in 1886, closed ...
1887History
The El Carmelo Hotel was Pacific Grove's first hotel, opening to guests on May 20, 1887.
1889Government
Pacific Grove incorporated in 1889.
1892Government
It was founded in 1892, originally at the site of Lover's Point, making it the oldest marine laboratory on the US Pacific Coast, and the third-oldest in the US.
1905Economy
Jacks sold the property to The Pacific Improvement Company which attempted removal of the Chinese American community in 1905 due to several development interests including Stanf...
1906Disaster
In 1906 there was a fire at the village and during the battle to save the village a firehose was suspiciously cut thereby causing it to completely burn down.
1907History
In 1907, the name changed to the Pacific Grove Hotel.
1913Architecture
Asilomar opened in 1913 as a YWCA summer retreat; it now belongs to the California State Park System.
1917Architecture
In 1917, the PIC decided to dismantle it and use the wood in the reconstruction of The Lodge at Pebble Beach that had burned down on December 17, 1917.
1919Culture
Holman in 1919 to open the Holman Department Store.
1969Culture
Due to the city's religious and gated history, alcohol was not served to the public until July 4, 1969, at the grand opening of the Pacific Grove Art Center by ElMarie Dyke, its...
1977History
== Media == Local radio station KAZU-FM - 90.3 was created by Don Mussel in 1977 in Pacific Grove, but is now located in Seaside, California.
1997History
On October 12, 1997, John Denver died when he crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Pacific Grove in his personal plane.
2018Government
At the November 6, 2018, general municipal election, Pacific Grove voters approved Measure M, which prohibits short-term vacation rentals in residential districts outside the Co...
2023History
The median household income in 2023 was $105,568, and the per capita income was $66,784.
2024History
On December 12, 2024, the U.S.
2025Government
As of 2025, the mayor is Nick Smith, and the six councilmembers are: Joe Amelio, Lori McDonnell, Chaps Poduri, Tina Rau, Paul Walkingstick, and Cynthia Garfield.

Did You Know?

1
Pacific Grove is located in the state of California.
2
Pacific Grove has a population of 15,090 residents.
3
Located in Monterey County, the city had a population of 15,090 at the 2020 census.

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Famous People from Pacific Grove, California

EB
Ernest K. Bramblett
Politician · Born Apr 25, 1901 · Died Dec 27, 1966 (age 65)
AF
Anne B. Fisher
Novelist · Born Feb 1, 1898 · Died Mar 5, 1967 (age 69)
TC
Tom Craft
Football Player, Coach · Born Nov 12, 1953 · Age 72
MM
Marian Anderson (punk musician)
Singer
LB
Lawrence Rogers Blinks
Botanist · Born Apr 22, 1900 · Died Mar 4, 1989 (age 88)
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