13 Historical Facts You Didn’t Know About Brentwood

Brentwood is a beautiful town located in the heart of Essex. It’s been around for centuries and has a rich history that’s often overlooked. Here are 13 facts about Brentwood’s history that you probably didn’t know!

 

1. Brentwood Was Originally Known as “Mountaingate”

Brentwood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California that is known for its affluence and celebrity residents. However, Brentwood was not always such a glamorous place. In fact, it originally was named “Mountaingate” because it was home to a number of poor farms and country estates.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Brentwood began to develop into the upscale community it is today. Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its scenic mountain views, Brentwood quickly became a desirable place to live.

Today, Brentwood is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with some of the most expensive real estate in the city. Despite its current reputation, Brentwood has humble beginnings as a rural farming community.

Brentwood Was Originally Known as “Mountaingate”
Brentwood Was Originally Known as “Mountaingate”

 

2. The Land That Brentwood Is Built on Was Once Owned by Mexican Rancher and Land Baron Antonio Lugo

Brentwood is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 35,292 at the 2010 census, up from 33,433 at the 2000 census. It is located on the Westside of Los Angeles. Brentwood is home to many celebrities and CEO’s.

Historically, it was home to Native Americans who inhabited the region for over 8,000 years. The land Brentwood is built on was once owned by Mexican rancher and land baron Antonio Lugo.

He was granted nearly 60,000 acres of land by the Mexican government in 1834. Lugo went on to build a rancho that encompassed much of what is now the city of Los Angeles. In 1859, he sold a portion of his rancho to John W. Schultz, who later founded the community of Santa Monica.

Schultz then sold a large portion of his holdings to Selim E. Woodworth, who laid out the streets of Brentwood and developed the area into a farming community.

Today, Brentwood is a vibrant city with a rich history. Thanks to its scenic location and small-town feel, it remains a popular place to live and work.

The Land That Brentwood Is Built on Was Once Owned by Mexican Rancher and Land Baron Antonio Lugo
The Land That Brentwood Is Built on Was Once Owned by Mexican Rancher and Land Baron Antonio Lugo

 

3. Lugo Sold the Land to American Settler Jonathan Bailey in 1853

Brentwood was founded in 1853 by a man named Jonathan Bailey. He purchased the land from Don Antonio María Lugo, who was the son of one of the original Spanish grantees of the land.

The area that is now Brentwood was originally part of a Mexican land grant called Rancho San Vicente y Santa Monica. Bailey built a home on his property, which he called “The Homestead”.

The Homestead soon became a popular stopping point for travelers along the stagecoach route between Los Angeles and San Francisco. In 1876, Bailey’s son-in-law, John Kent, took over the property and transformed it into a successful farming operation. The Kent family continued to farm the land until the mid-20th century when it was sold and developed into the city of Brentwood.

Today, Brentwood is a thriving community with a rich history. Thanks to its founding father, Jonathan Bailey, Brentwood has been an important part of Southern California for over 150 years.

Lugo Sold the Land to American Settler Jonathan Bailey in 1853
Lugo Sold the Land to American Settler Jonathan Bailey in 1853

 

4. Bailey Named the Area “Brentwood” After His Birthplace of Brentwood, England

Brentwood, Tennessee was named after the town of Brentwood, England. The area was originally settled by William Bailey, who arrived in 1769. Bailey named the area “Brentwood” after his birthplace of Brentwood, England.

Brentwood is a suburb of Nashville and is located in Williamson County. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 62,483.

The population has since grown to an estimated 70,217 as of 2019. The median income for a household in Brentwood was $116,716 in 2016. The per capita income for the city was $68,406 in 2016.

Brentwood is home to many large corporations, including Dell Technologies, Nissan North America, and Mars Pet care US. The city is also home to several prestigious private schools, such as Brentwood Academy and Ravenwood High School. In 2017, Money magazine ranked Brentwood as the #3 Best Place to Live in the United States.

Bailey Named the Area “Brentwood” After His Birthplace of Brentwood, England
Bailey Named the Area “Brentwood” After His Birthplace of Brentwood, England

 

5. The First House in Brentwood Was Built in 1854 by Robert Taylor

Brentwood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. It is located in the Westside of the city and is bordered by Santa Monica to the west, Bel-Air to the north, Westwood to the south, and the Pacific Palisades to the east. The first house in Brentwood was built in 1854 by Robert Taylor.

The house was situated on what is now Wilshire Boulevard and was called “The Homestead”. The Homestead was eventually bought by John Percival Jones, who renamed it “Brentwood” after a town in England where he had lived as a child.

Today, Brentwood is home to many celebrities and businesspeople. It is also known for its excellent schools and its luxury real estate. If you are ever in Los Angeles, be sure to check out Brentwood!

The First House in Brentwood Was Built in 1854 by Robert Taylor
The First House in Brentwood Was Built in 1854 by Robert Taylor

 

6. Brentwood Wasn’t Incorporated as a City Until 1963

Brentwood, California is a small city located in Contra Costa County. The city has a population of just over 51,000 people, and it covers a total area of 13 square miles.

Brentwood is known for its agricultural heritage, and it is home to many vineyards and wineries. The city also has a number of historic landmarks, including the Ring Mountain Archaeological District.

Despite its relatively small size, Brentwood has a rich history. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by the Ohlone people. In 1847, John Marsh – one of California’s first American settlers – built a ranch in what is now Brentwood.

The town that grew up around the ranch eventually became known as Marshall’s Crossing. In 1863, the name of the town was changed to Brentwood, after an English town that Marshall had once lived in. Brentwood was incorporated as a city in 1963. Today, the city is a popular bedroom community for those who work in nearby San Francisco or Oakland.

Thanks to its close proximity to these major cities, Brentwood offers its residents the best of both worlds – the peace and quiet of a small town combined with the convenience of being located near urban centers.

Brentwood Wasn’t Incorporated as a City Until 1963
Brentwood Wasn’t Incorporated as a City Until 1963

 

7. The Current City Hall Building In Downtown Brentwood Was Once a Bank

Brentwood’s current city hall building was once a bank. The bank was established in 1859 and was in operation for over 100 years. In Brentwood, the bank was known for its large marble pillars and grandiose lobby.

The building was purchased by the city in 1965 and has since been converted into a city hall. Today, the building still features many of its original architectural details, including the large marble pillars and grandiose lobby.

Visitors to city hall can also see a plaque that commemorates the bank’s 100 years of operation.

The Current City Hall Building In Downtown Brentwood Was Once a Bank
The Current City Hall Building In Downtown Brentwood Was Once a Bank

 

8. Actress Marilyn Monroe Was Born in Los Angeles but Grew up in an Unincorporated Part of Brentwood

Brentwood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, bordered by Santa Monica to the south and west, Bel-Air to the north, and the Pacific Palisades to the east. It is home to many wealthy and influential residents, as well as several celebrities.

However, Brentwood is also notable for its history. For example, did you know that actress Marilyn Monroe was born in Los Angeles but grew up in an unincorporated part of Brentwood? Monroe’s family moved to Brentwood when she was just a child, and she attended school in the area.

In fact, it was while she was living in Brentwood that Monroe began her modeling career. though she would later move to New York City to pursue her acting career, Brentwood always held a special place in Monroe’s heart.

She even married her third husband, playwright Arthur Miller, at a ranch in Brentwood in 1956. Today, Brentwood is best known for its upscale shopping and dining options, but it is also worth exploring for its rich history.

Actress Marilyn Monroe Was Born in Los Angeles but Grew up in an Unincorporated Part of Brentwood
Actress Marilyn Monroe Was Born in Los Angeles but Grew up in an Unincorporated Part of Brentwood

 

9. Actor James Dean Lived in Brentwood for a Time and Died There in a Car Accident

Not many people know that the famous actor James Dean once called Brentwood home. Dean moved to Brentwood in 1955, and it was there that he filmed his last movie, Giant.

Tragically, Dean’s life came to an end in Brentwood in September of 1955, when he was killed in a car accident. Dean was only 24 years old at the time of his death, but he left a lasting legacy.

In addition to his work on screen, Dean was also a groundbreaking figure in the world of fashion. His unique style – which combined elements of both rebelliousness and sophistication – has been hugely influential in the decades since his death.

Today, Dean is still remembered as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. And for those who live in Brentwood, he will always be a part of the community’s history.

Actor James Dean Lived in Brentwood for a Time and Died There in a Car Accident
Actor James Dean Lived in Brentwood for a Time and Died There in a Car Accident

 

10. Singer Barbra Streisand Also Lived for a Time in Brentwood

Brentwood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles that is known for its upscale homes and celebrity residents.

Today, it is home to many of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but it was also once home to one of the world’s most famous singers. Barbra Streisand lived in Brentwood for several years in the 1960s, and she even recorded her debut album in a studio located in the neighborhood.

While she only lived there for a brief period of time, Barbra Streisand left her mark on Brentwood. She helped to put the neighborhood on the map as a haven for celebrities, and her music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Thanks to Barbra Streisand, Brentwood will always have a place in musical history.

Singer Barbra Streisand Also Lived for a Time in Brentwood
Singer Barbra Streisand Also Lived for a Time in Brentwood

 

11. The Zip Code for All of Brentwood Is 90049

Brentwood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. Although it is formally recognized as a city, it is largely residential and many of its residents consider it a suburb. Brentwood is bordered by Santa Monica to the west, Bel-Air to the north, Westwood to the southwest, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The ZIP code for all of Brentwood is 90049.

Brentwood was founded in 1839 by Rowland Stirlling and Daniel Freeman, two farmers who originally settled in the area. The community was named after Freeman’s hometown of Brentwood, Essex in England.

In the early 1900s, Brentwood began to grow rapidly due to the development of the electric streetcar line which ran through the neighborhood. This led to an influx of new residents and businesses, and Brentwood soon became a thriving community.

Today, Brentwood is known for its upscale homes and celebrity residents. It is home to many high-end shops and boutiques, as well as some of Los Angeles’ best restaurants. Despite its relatively small size, Brentwood has a lot to offer its residents and visitors alike.

The Zip Code for All of Brentwood Is 90049
The Zip Code for All of Brentwood Is 90049

 

12. There Are Over 16,000 Residents Living Within the City of Brentwood Boundaries

Brentwood is a city located in Los Angeles County, and it is considered to be a part of the Greater Los Angeles Area. The city has a population of over 16,000 residents living within its boundaries.

Brentwood was originally founded in the year 1869, and it was named after the town of Brentwood in Essex, England. Brentwood is best known for being the home of celebrities such as actress Jennifer Aniston, golfer Tiger Woods, and former NFL quarterback Vinny Testaverde.

The city is also home to a number of major corporations, including Mattel and DIRECTV. In addition, Brentwood is home to several prestigious educational institutions, such as UCLA and Loyola Marymount University.

Thanks to its convenient location and array of amenities, Brentwood has become one of the most desirable places to live in Los Angeles County.

There Are Over 16,000 Residents Living Within the City of Brentwood Boundaries 
There Are Over 16,000 Residents Living Within the City of Brentwood Boundaries

 

13. The Motto for the City of Brentwood Is: “Pride in Our Past; Faith in Our Future”

Brentwood is a city located in Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 37,060 as of the 2010 census. It is incorporated as a city and is one of the four major cities that make up the Nashville metropolitan area.

The City of Brentwood was founded in 1873 by Richard Hicks from Richmond, Virginia. He named it after his hometown of Brentwood, England. The motto for the City of Brentwood is “Pride in Our Past; Faith in Our Future”.

The city has a council-manager form of government. The mayor is elected at large and serves a four-year term. The city council consists of eight members who are elected to three-year terms from single-member districts.

Brentwood is home to many corporate headquarters including Nissan North America, Tractor Supply Company, and Dell Technologies. It is also home to two private schools, Ravenwood High School and Battle Ground Academy. Brentwood is a rapidly growing city and was ranked #4 on Forbes’ list of America’s Fastest Growing Suburbs in 2015.

The Motto for the City of Brentwood Is_ “Pride in Our Past; Faith in Our Future”
The Motto for the City of Brentwood Is_ “Pride in Our Past; Faith in Our Future”

 

In conclusion

Brentwood is a historic city with a lot to offer its residents and visitors. From its musical history to its upscale shops and restaurants, Brentwood has something for everyone. Thanks to its convenient location and array of amenities, Brentwood is one of the most desirable places to live in Los Angeles County.

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