History of Pebble Beach, California in Timeline
Pebble Beach, an unincorporated community on California's Monterey Peninsula, is known for its luxurious single-family homes, resort atmosphere, and world-renowned golf courses like Cypress Point Club, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Access to the community is primarily through the scenic 17-Mile Drive, which requires a toll for non-residents, effectively making Pebble Beach a gated community.
1900: Discovery of Hickman's Potentilla
Alice Eastwood, a botanist, discovered Hickman's potentilla in the Del Monte Forest (present-day Pebble Beach) in 1900.
1907: Automobiles replace horses on 17-Mile Drive
By 1907, automobiles had completely replaced horses on the scenic 17-Mile Drive, marking a shift in transportation for visitors exploring the Pebble Beach area. This change was significant for the local tourism industry as it modernized travel along this popular route.
1908: Lewis P. Hobart hired to design Pebble Beach Lodge
In 1908, architect Lewis P. Hobart was hired by PIC manager A.D. Shepard to design the Pebble Beach Lodge, which was completed by 1909. The lodge served as a rustic community center and rest stop for motorists along the 17-Mile Drive.
1909: Completion of the Pebble Beach Lodge
By 1909, the Pebble Beach Lodge was completed. It featured private patio nooks, a wide pergola, and a great hall, and it offered services like food and drink around the clock. The lodge became a popular community center and rest stop for 17-Mile Drive motorists.
1916: Decision to create a golf course at Pebble Beach
In 1916, Samuel Finley Brown Morse convinced the PIC to create a golf course at the edge of Pebble Beach and Stillwater Cove. This decision led to the development of the now-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.
December 17, 1917: Pebble Beach Lodge burns down
On December 17, 1917, the Pebble Beach Lodge burned down while the nearby golf course was still under construction. This incident led to the creation of a new structure, the Del Monte Lodge, using wood from the dismantled El Carmelo Hotel.
February 22, 1919: Grand opening of the golf course and new lodge
February 22, 1919, marked the grand opening of the new golf course and the Del Monte Lodge, which replaced the original Pebble Beach Lodge that had burned down in 1917. The new lodge was a luxurious multi-story hotel featuring a signature 'Roman Plunge' pool designed by architect Lewis P. Hobart.
February 27, 1919: Formation of Del Monte Properties Company
On February 27, 1919, Samuel Finley Brown Morse formed the Del Monte Properties Company and acquired the extensive holdings of the PIC, including the Del Monte Forest, the Del Monte Lodge, and the Hotel Del Monte.
1937: Inaugural AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, originally known as the Crosby Clambake, began in 1937 at Rancho Santa Fe near San Diego. The tournament has since become a significant annual event in the golfing world.
1942: Last tournament at Rancho Santa Fe before WWII
The last AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am at Rancho Santa Fe was held in 1942 before a hiatus due to World War II. The tournament resumed in 1947 at Pebble Beach.
1947: AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am moves to Pebble Beach
In 1947, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am moved to Pebble Beach, where it has been held annually since, solidifying its place in the golfing calendar.
1948: John Boit Morse becomes president of Del Monte Properties Company
In 1948, John Boit Morse, son of Samuel Finley Brown Morse, was brought on board as president of the Del Monte Properties Company. This move marked a new era of leadership for the company.
1950: Inaugural Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance auto show
The annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance auto show began in 1950. The event focuses on classic cars and features a competition, auction, classic car tour, and automotive art exhibit.
1951: Witch Tree featured in Mr. Imperium
In 1951, the Witch Tree was used as part of the scenic background in the movie Mr. Imperium, which starred Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Majorie Main, and Barry Sullivan.
1954: Richard Osborne named president of Del Monte Properties Company
In 1954, Richard Osborne, son-in-law of Samuel Finley Brown Morse, was named president of the Del Monte Properties Company, continuing the family legacy in the company's leadership.
1956: Witch Tree featured in Julie
In 1956, the Witch Tree appeared in an early scene of the movie Julie, featuring Doris Day fleeing from her psychopathic husband, played by Louis Jourdan.
January 14, 1964: Witch Tree falls during storm
The famous landmark known as the 'Witch Tree' fell during a storm on January 14, 1964. The tree had stood for decades at Pescadero Point and was used as a scenic backdrop in movies and television.
1969: Death of Samuel Finley Brown Morse
Samuel Finley Brown Morse, a significant figure in the history of Pebble Beach, died in 1969. His leadership and vision greatly influenced the development of the area.
1972: US Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links
In 1972, Pebble Beach Golf Links hosted the US Open for the first time. The course has since become one of the most famous in the Western United States and has hosted the US Open multiple times.
1976: First Recorded Presidential Election Results for Pebble Beach
The year 1976 marked the beginning of recording presidential election results specifically for Pebble Beach, Monterey County.
March 30, 1977: Reincorporation as Pebble Beach Corporation
On March 30, 1977, the Del Monte Properties Company was reincorporated as the Pebble Beach Corporation. The Del Monte Lodge was renamed the Lodge at Pebble Beach, reflecting the company's new identity.
May 1979: 20th Century Fox purchases Pebble Beach Corporation
In May 1979, 20th Century Fox, which was later bought by Marvin Davis, purchased the Pebble Beach Corporation. This acquisition marked a significant change in ownership for the company.
1982: US Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links
The US Open was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links again in 1982. The course's reputation continued to grow as a premier golfing destination.
1985: Marvin Davis retains Pebble Beach Company after selling 20th Century Fox
In 1985, after selling 20th Century Fox to Rupert Murdoch, Marvin Davis retained several assets not related to the film and TV industry, including the Pebble Beach Company and the Aspen Skiing Company.
1990: Sale of Pebble Beach Company to Minoru Isutani
In 1990, the Pebble Beach Company was sold to Japanese businessman Minoru Isutani, who made it a subsidiary of the Japanese resort company Taiheiyo Club Inc. This transaction later led to an FBI investigation into Isutani for money laundering.
1992: Hickman's Potentilla Earns Federal Protection
After a 1992 survey by Earth Metrics Inc., the U.S. government listed Hickman's potentilla as a protected species.
1992: US Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links
In 1992, Pebble Beach Golf Links hosted the US Open once more, reinforcing its status as a top venue for major golf tournaments.
1999: Acquisition of Pebble Beach Company by investor group
In 1999, an investor group led by Clint Eastwood, Arnold Palmer, and Peter Ueberroth acquired the Pebble Beach Company from Lone Cypress. This acquisition brought new leadership and direction to the company.
2000: Last Recorded Presidential Election Results for Pebble Beach in the 20th Century
In 2000, Pebble Beach, Monterey County, saw its last recorded presidential election results for the 20th century.
2000: Initiation of Measure A by Pebble Beach Company
In 2000, the Pebble Beach Company initiated Measure A, a controversial development proposal. Clint Eastwood led a US$1 million legal and advertising campaign urging voters to pass the measure.
2000: US Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links
The US Open was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2000. The course's prestige as a top golfing location was further solidified.
2006: Measure A presented to California Coastal Commission
In 2006, the Pebble Beach Company's Measure A was presented to the California Coastal Commission for approval. The plan faced significant opposition and was ultimately denied in 2007.
June 14, 2007: Rejection of Measure A by California Coastal Commission
On June 14, 2007, the California Coastal Commission denied Measure A, a controversial development proposal submitted by the Pebble Beach Company, in an 8 to 4 vote. Commissioner Sara Wan criticized the plan as 'wholesale destruction of the environment.'
2009: Surfing at Ghost Tree restricted
Effective 2009, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration restricted the use of personal watercraft at the Ghost Tree surf break in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, making the extreme surfing location effectively off-limits.
2010: US Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links
In 2010, Pebble Beach Golf Links hosted the US Open yet again, continuing its legacy as a premier venue for major golf events.
2013: Pebble Beach Authors & Ideas Festival Moves to Pebble Beach
Originally held in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Pebble Beach Authors & Ideas Festival moved to Pebble Beach in 2013 and has been held there annually in September ever since.
2014: Filming of "Big Little Lies" Takes Place in Pebble Beach
The filming of the drama series "Big Little Lies," which is based on the book of the same name, took place in Pebble Beach in 2014.
2017: Pebble Beach partners with IBM's Watson
In 2017, the Pebble Beach golf resort partnered with IBM to use the artificial intelligence Watson as a live concierge embedded in a mobile app. Watson guided visitors around the resort, enhancing their experience.
2017: "Big Little Lies" Airs, Featuring Pebble Beach
In 2017, the drama series "Big Little Lies," filmed in Pebble Beach, aired.
2019: US Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links
The US Open was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2019, adding to the course's history of hosting this prestigious tournament.
2023: US Women's Open to be held at Pebble Beach Golf Links
From July 6-9, 2023, Pebble Beach Golf Links will host the US Women's Open for the first time, expanding its reputation as a top golf course to women's tournaments.
2027: Future US Open planned for Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links is set to host the US Open again in 2027, continuing its tradition of being a prominent venue for major golf championships.