Manhattan Beach

Established around the Santa Fe rail station, Manhattan Beach was named after Manhattan Island in 1902 by the town’s founder, Stewart Merrill. The town has had three piers over the years, which have been rebuilt after damage from waves and salt air. George Peck, Jr. (see his bio under San Pedro Street names) encouraged the community to incorporate, which was completed in 1912 with a population of 600. It is now one of the most expensive communities in the United States. The population as of the year 2000 was 33,852.

City website: ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us

Chamber Website: www.manhattanbeachchamber.net