Nestled at the foot of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County, California, lies the charming city of Sierra Madre. With a population of 11,038 as of 2017, Sierra Madre offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a close-knit community.
Experience the Beauty
Sierra Madre is spread over an area of 3.01 square miles and sits at an elevation of 840 feet above sea level. The city is bordered by Pasadena to the west and Arcadia to the south and east, while the Angeles National Forest graces its northern boundary. Located just 13 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Sierra Madre provides a haven of tranquility and picturesque landscapes.
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A Multicultural Melting Pot
Sierra Madre boasts a diverse ethnic makeup, with the majority being White Non-Hispanic (79.7%). Hispanic residents comprise 10% of the population, followed by Two or More Races (4.0%), Other Race (3.0%), Chinese (2.1%), Japanese (1.2%), Black (1.1%), and American Indian (1.1%).
A Glimpse into the Past
The city of Sierra Madre was founded in 1881 and officially incorporated in 1907. Its rich history is evident in the artifacts discovered in the Sierra Madre canyon, revealing the presence of the original inhabitants, the Gabrielino or Tongva Indians.
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In 1864, Benjamin Wilson established the Mount Wilson Trail, which facilitated access to the mountain peak. This trail later enabled Harvard College to utilize the peak for astronomical purposes in 1889. Notably, in 1904, George Ellery Hale founded the Mount Wilson Observatory, further enhancing the city’s scientific legacy.
Parks and Education
Sierra Madre offers several parks for outdoor enthusiasts, including Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park, Memorial Park, Milton & Harriet Goldberg Recreation Area, Mount Wilson Trail Park, and Sierra Vista Park. These green spaces provide opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and community gatherings.
The city is home to Sierra Madre School, which is part of the Pasadena Unified School District. Additionally, there are several esteemed private schools in Sierra Madre, such as Alverno High School, Bethany Christian School, the Gooden School, and Saint Rita School.
Vibrant Community Events
Sierra Madre hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, bringing the community together. The Wistaria Festival in March, Huck Finn Fishing Derby in March, Art Fair in May, Mount Wilson Trail Race on Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Festivities in July, and Dickens’ Village in November are just a few of the cherished annual celebrations.
Fascinating Facts
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Sierra Madre is renowned for its notable landmarks and achievements. Among them, the city is home to the world’s largest wistaria vine, which was purchased by Alice Brugman in April 1894. The Sierra Madre Public Library, founded in 1886, is the fourth oldest city library in Los Angeles County and the tenth oldest in Southern California.
Sierra Madre has earned a place in Hollywood history as a popular filming location since 1910, with movies like “The Great Man’s Lady,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” “Family Plot,” “The Wedding Singer,” “K-Pax,” “The Princess Diaries,” and “Kicking & Screaming” showcasing its picturesque settings.
Embrace the Quaint Community
Sierra Madre prides itself on being a close-knit community with a friendly atmosphere. The city’s police department even made history as the first in Los Angeles County to have a female Police Chief. Moreover, Sierra Madre was named an All-America City by the National Civic League in 2007, reinforcing its status as a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.
So, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a vibrant community steeped in history, Sierra Madre offers a little something for everyone. Embark on a journey to this hidden gem and discover the beauty, charm, and warm hospitality of Sierra Madre, California.
Sources: City of Sierra Madre Website, www.city-data.com, Wikipedia, Internet Movie Database, Mount Wilson Observatory, Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce, United States Geological Survey, California Cities, Towns & Counties.
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