History and Points of Interest
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Santa Barbara History
From Military Outpost to World-Famous Resort
For thousands of years, protected by the rugged mountains and ocean, the Chumash Indians enjoyed a comfortable, easy lifestyle afforded by an abundance of wildlife and natural resources. European "civilization" first arrived in 1542, when Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo entered the Channel and claimed land for Spain. Their next encounter with the Spanish would not be for another century. On the eve of December 4, 1602, frigates under the command of Sabastian Vizcaino entered the Santa Barbara Channel.
In 1782, the Spaniards came to stay. With plans to establish a military presidio and mission, a group led by Father Junipero Serra, Captain Jose Ortega, and Governor Felipe de Neve founded the city of Santa Barbara. The Spaniards governed the area until 1822, when California became a Mexican territory. Just 24 years later, in 1846, Colonel John Fremont and his soldiers took Santa Barbara for the United States. Thus Chumash, Spanish, Mexican and North American influences merged together, forming a unique blend of language and culture.
Santa Barbara remained a sleepy pueblo until the late 1800s, when wealthy easterners, after reading rave newspaper reviews of the wonderful climate, hot and cold springs, and relaxing atmosphere, came for vacation. Word of Santa Barbara as a premiere health resort traveled far and wide, attracting not only visitors, but permanent residents. Great hotels and cultural opportunities blossomed, drawing celebrity visitors from around the globe, including presidents, opera stars, kings and queens. For a short time, Santa Barbara was even the film capitol of the world! In 1910, before the motion picture industry centralized in Hollywood, the American Film Company opened the Flying A Studio. The studio was the largest of its kind in the world for several years. More than 1200 movies (mostly westerns) were made during the studio's ten year life span. Though Santa Barbara ceased to be center of the motion picture industry. It continued to be a favorite getaway destination for film stars and other celebrities. Today, many celebrities maintain Santa Barbara residences, finding this a perfect place to escape the glare of Hollywood, less than two hours away.
As you explore Santa Barbara for the first time, you will notice many reminders of its colorful past; old adobes with court yards that bear the names of historical figures; and the Mediterranean-style architecture that dominates the town, inspired by the Spanish residences of the city's early years. All these pay tribute to the unique circumstances that created the Santa Barbara we know today... a resort known around the world for its very special character.
The three inns listed on the sbinns.com page welcome you to Santa Barbara and to their Victorian & Craftsman era homes.
