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Santa Barbara, California

Located in Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Barbara was founded in 1786. The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. After the 1925 earthquake, the city was rebuilt in a unified Spanish Colonial Revival style.
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Founded 1786 | Population 88,000 | Peak 88,000 (2024) | County Santa Barbara County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Santa Barbara, California

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1786 Presidio Founded: Spanish military outpost and mission.
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1836 Economic Development: Santa Barbara grew through the oil and petroleum industry.
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1925 Earthquake: 6.8 earthquake rebuilds city in Spanish Colonial style.
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1969 Oil Spill: Union Oil spill launches modern environmental movement.
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2018 Montecito Mudslides: Post-fire mudslides kill 23.
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Latest News in Santa Barbara

May 4, 2026
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…
Apr 20, 2026
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…
Apr 18, 2026
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…
Apr 16, 2026
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…
Apr 14, 2026
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 …
Apr 11, 2026
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

1786 Culture
Presidio Founded
1836 Industry
Economic Development
1925 Disaster
Earthquake
1969 Disaster
Oil Spill
2018 Disaster
Montecito Mudslides

Did You Know?

1
The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill is credited with launching the modern environmental movement.
2
After the 1925 earthquake, the city was rebuilt in a unified Spanish Colonial Revival style.
3
Known as the 'American Riviera' for its Mediterranean climate and beauty.
4
Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara County, California.
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Santa Barbara was founded in 1786.

Famous People from Santa Barbara, California

KP
Katy Perry
Actor, Businessperson · Born Oct 25, 1984 · Age 41
ES
Edie Sedgwick
Actor, Socialite · Born Apr 20, 1943 · Died Nov 16, 1971 (age 28)
MM
Maika Monroe
Actor, Television Actor · Born May 29, 1993 · Age 32
AE
Anthony Edwards
Television Producer, Voice Actor · Born Jul 19, 1962 · Age 63
AL
Alex D. Linz
Actor, Writer · Born Jan 3, 1989 · Age 37

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F
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S
Sacramento
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