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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.

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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1786Presidio Founded: Spanish military outpost and mission.

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1836Economic Development: Santa Barbara grew through the oil and petroleum industry.

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1925Earthquake: 6.8 earthquake rebuilds city in Spanish Colonial style.

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1969Oil Spill: Union Oil spill launches modern environmental movement.

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2018Montecito Mudslides: Post-fire mudslides kill 23.

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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?

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.

Known as the 'American Riviera' for its Mediterranean climate and beauty.

Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara County, California.

Santa Barbara was founded in 1786.

Famous People from Santa Barbara, California

Katy Perry

Actor, Businessperson · Born Oct 25, 1984 · Age 41

Edie Sedgwick

Actor, Socialite · Born Apr 20, 1943 · Died Nov 16, 1971 (age 28)

Maika Monroe

Actor, Television Actor · Born May 29, 1993 · Age 32

Anthony Edwards

Television Producer, Voice Actor · Born Jul 19, 1962 · Age 63

Alex D. Linz

Actor, Writer · Born Jan 3, 1989 · Age 37

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