Signal Hill

Surrounded by Long Beach, the relatively small city of Signal Hill has a rich and colorful history. Because they used the hill as a view and signal point for the surrounding ranchos, early Spanish settlers called the area Loma Sental, which translates to Signal Hill. At the turn of the 20th century, large estate homes were built to take advantage of the magnificent views and coastal breezes. Then came the oil. On June 23, 1921, Royal Dutch Shell Oil Company hit the first gusher, signaling t...