Alhambra

Alhambra is a city in Los Angeles County in the western San Gabriel Valley in California. The city covers about 20 square kilometers (7.6 square miles) and sits just a few kilometers east of downtown Los Angeles.

Benjamin Davis Wilson purchased about 111 hectares of state land in 1874 and founded a residential subdivision named after the Spanish palace. The community developed rapidly and later received its charter as a city.

The city takes its name from the Moorish palace in Spain after Benjamin Davis Wilson read Washington Irving's travel account about it. This literary connection is reflected in the varied architectural styles visitors see today throughout the residential neighborhoods.

The city sits close to several major transport routes and can be reached from Los Angeles in a short time. Residential areas define the cityscape, and visitors can drive or walk through neighborhoods with different architectural styles.

The original settlement introduced iron pipes for water supply to each lot as the first residential development in Southern California to do so. This technical system was completely novel in the region at that time and set a standard for later developments.

Location: Los Angeles County

Elevation above the sea: 150 m

Shares border with: San Marino, Los Angeles, South Pasadena, Rosemead, Monterey Park

Website: http://cityofalhambra.org

GPS coordinates: 34.08194,-118.13500

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:44