Page Contents for Altadena, California

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

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Statistics & Facts

The California state capital is Sacramento.
The population of Altadena is approximately 42,658 (1990), 42777 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 15,164 (1990), 15212 (2010).
The amount of land area in Altadena is 22.506 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Altadena to Washington DC is 2420 miles.
The distance to the California state capital is 354 miles. (as the crow flies)
Altadena is positioned 34.19 degrees north of the equator and 118.13 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Altadena elevation is 1,387 feet above sea level.

Location

near Pasadena at the base of the San Gabiel Mountains
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History & History Related Items

Altadena was originally part of the San Gabriel Mission lands; later part of Don Garfias' Rancho San Pascual (Holy Easter Ranch) on which Californianos camped out during the last battle of the "Californian-American War" By this time, Mexico city had all but abandoned Alta California and the Californianos of the LA region were fighting because of abusive behavior against the citizenry by the "American Annexation Officials left in charge". Later a group of investors wanted to develop and subdivide the area now known as Altadena, as an upscale rival to Pasadena, hence the name Alta -- upper, above, better than --dena from - PasaDENA. These speculators eventually went bust; which gives altadena its charming eclectic mix of mansions with tiny to huge lots, some surrounded by tiny bungalows; subdivisions behind subdivisions; hill side homes; and even equestrian zoned regions; it's quit a mix. The foothills and mountains bordering on the north (Angeles National Forest) boast mountain lion, bear, deer, big horn sheep and other wildlife. The naturalist, John Muir, reportedly was quit impressed with our mountains. There are even ruins from a mountain railway, and resorts from the late 1800's now accessible by hiking and horse trails. Altadena does have Christmas Tree Lane, that and much much more; come for a visit sometime!
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The founding of Altadena

1880's

Attractions

An unincorporated residential community, Altadena is situated in a region producing avocados and citrus fruit. Founded in the 1880s, Altadena is noted for its Christmas Tree Lane, an avenue flanked by 150 tall deodars (cedars native to the Himalaya), which are decorated with colored lights in December.
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