Whittier is a city in Los Angeles County, California, part of the Gateway Cities region. With a population of over 87,000, it is one of the oldest cities in the county, incorporated in February 1898. Named after the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier, the city was founded by Quaker settlers and has maintained its small-town charm and historic character. Whittier is home to Whittier College, a prestigious liberal arts institution, and features a historic downtown with tree-lined streets and Victorian-era architecture.
Quaker Heritage and Founding
Whittier was founded in the late 19th century by Quaker settlers, including Jonathan and Rebecca Bailey, who held religious meetings on their porch. The city was named after John Greenleaf Whittier, a beloved Quaker poet, who wrote a dedication poem for the city though he never visited. Many of Whittier’s streets bear the names of Quaker settlers — Greenleaf Avenue, Bailey Street, Pickering Avenue, and Penn Street. A statue of Whittier stands in Central Park, and another representing his poem “The Barefoot Boy” stands in front of the main library.
Whittier College and Education
Whittier College, founded in 1887, is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in California. The campus, with its beautiful Mediterranean-style buildings and tree-lined walkways, is a landmark of the city. The college is known for its programs in political science, economics, and the arts, and has produced notable alumni including former President Richard Nixon, who attended Whittier College before transferring to Duke University.
Historic Downtown and the Whittier Village
Whittier’s historic downtown, known as Uptown Whittier, features Greenleaf Avenue as its main commercial street, lined with independent shops, restaurants, and cafes housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings. The Whittier Village Cinemas, a restored movie theater, and the Hoover Hotel, a historic landmark, add to the area’s charm. The city’s Farmers’ Market, held weekly, is a popular community event.
Climate and Geography
Whittier sits at 367 feet above sea level in the Puente Hills region of Los Angeles County. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city covers 14.7 square miles and enjoys over 280 days of sunshine per year. The Puente Hills provide hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities, and the city is surrounded by unincorporated areas that share the Whittier name.
From a Quaker settlement to a college town to a historic suburban community, Whittier has maintained its identity as a city of character, culture, and community — a place where history and modernity coexist in the heart of Los Angeles County.
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