History of Pebble Beach, California in Timeline

Pebble Beach, California, is a coastal community and resort destination on the Monterey Peninsula. Known for its luxury residential properties and world-renowned golf courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links, Cypress Point Club, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club, it attracts golfers and tourists alike. The 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road through the area, requires a toll for non-residents, essentially functioning as a gate. This exclusivity contributes to its reputation as a prestigious and desirable location.

1900: Hickman's Potentilla Discovered

In 1900, Alice Eastwood discovered Hickman's potentilla within the Del Monte Forest.

1907: Automobiles Replace Horses on 17-Mile Drive

In 1907, automobiles completely replaced horses on the 17-Mile Drive, marking a transition in transportation at Pebble Beach.

1908: Lewis P. Hobart Hired to Design Pebble Beach Lodge

In 1908, Lewis P. Hobart was hired by PIC manager A.D. Shepard to design the Pebble Beach Lodge.

1909: Pebble Beach Lodge Completed

In 1909, the rustic log-cabin-style Pebble Beach Lodge was completed, featuring private patio nooks and a wide pergola.

1916: Golf Course Creation Approved

In 1916, Samuel Finley Brown Morse convinced the PIC to create a golf course at the edge of Pebble Beach and Stillwater Cove.

December 17, 1917: Pebble Beach Lodge Burns Down

On December 17, 1917, the Pebble Beach Lodge burned down while the golf course was under construction, leading to the construction of a new Del Monte Lodge.

February 22, 1919: Grand Opening of Golf Course and New Del Monte Lodge

On February 22, 1919, the golf course and the new Del Monte Lodge held a grand opening, marking a significant development for Pebble Beach.

February 27, 1919: Del Monte Properties Company Formed

On February 27, 1919, Morse formed the Del Monte Properties Company and acquired the holdings of the PIC.

1937: Inaugural Crosby Clambake

The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am (formerly known as the Crosby Clambake) began in 1937 at Rancho Santa Fe near San Diego.

1942: Last Crosby Clambake at Rancho Santa Fe

The Crosby Clambake was last played in 1942 at Rancho Santa Fe before moving after World War II.

1947: Crosby Clambake Moves to Pebble Beach

After World War II, in 1947 the Crosby Clambake moved to Pebble Beach and has continued annually since.

1948: John Boit Morse Becomes President

In 1948, John Boit Morse, Samuel's son, became president of the Del Monte Properties Company.

1950: First Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance auto show has been held in Pebble Beach since 1950.

1951: "Witch Tree" in Mr. Imperium

In 1951, the Witch Tree was used as scenery in the film Mr. Imperium.

1954: Richard Osborne Named President

In 1954, Richard Osborne, Morse's son-in-law, was named president of the Del Monte Properties Company.

1956: "Witch Tree" in Julie

In 1956, the Witch Tree was part of the background in the movie Julie.

January 14, 1964: The "Witch Tree" Falls

On January 14, 1964, the Witch Tree fell during a storm.

1969: Death of Samuel Finley Brown Morse

In 1969, Samuel Finley Brown Morse passed away.

1972: US Open at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach Golf Links was the site of the US Open in 1972.

1976: Presidential Election Results Listed

Presidential election results are listed for Pebble Beach starting in 1976.

March 30, 1977: Del Monte Properties Reincorporated as Pebble Beach Corporation

On March 30, 1977, the Del Monte Properties Company was reincorporated as the Pebble Beach Corporation, and the Del Monte Lodge was renamed the Lodge at Pebble Beach.

May 1979: 20th Century Fox Purchases Pebble Beach Corporation

In May 1979, 20th Century Fox purchased the Pebble Beach Corporation.

1982: US Open at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach Golf Links was the site of the US Open in 1982.

1985: Davis Keeps Pebble Beach Company

In 1985, when the film company was sold to Rupert Murdoch, Marvin Davis retained the Pebble Beach Company.

1990: Sale to Isutani

In 1990 Davis sold the Pebble Beach Company to the Japanese businessman Minoru Isutani, who made it a subsidiary of the Japanese resort company Taiheiyo Club Inc.

1992: Hickman's Potentilla Listed as Protected Species

After a survey in 1992 by Earth Metrics Inc., Hickman's potentilla was listed as a protected species by the U.S. Government.

1992: US Open at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach Golf Links was the site of the US Open in 1992.

1999: Acquisition by Investor Group

In 1999, the Pebble Beach Company was acquired from Lone Cypress by an investor group led by Clint Eastwood, Arnold Palmer, and Peter Ueberroth.

2000: Initiation of Measure A

In 2000, the Pebble Beach Company initiated Measure A, a controversial development proposal.

2000: US Open at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach Golf Links was the site of the US Open in 2000.

2000: Presidential Election Results Listed

Presidential election results are listed for Pebble Beach through 2000.

2006: Plan Goes Before California Coastal Commission

In 2006, the Measure A plan went before the California Coastal Commission for approval.

June 14, 2007: Measure A Denied by Coastal Commission

On June 14, 2007, Measure A was denied by the California Coastal Commission in an 8 to 4 vote.

2009: Ghost Tree Surf Break Restricted

Effective 2009, the surf break of Ghost Tree became effectively off limits due to restrictions on personal watercraft in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.