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Whittier, California

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Richard Nixon Hop 3
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1. Extracted55
2. After dedup31 (None)
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Whittier, California
NameWhittier
Settlement typeCity
Pushpin labelWhittier
Coordinates33, 58, 44, N...
Subdivision typeCountry
Subdivision nameUnited States
Subdivision type1State
Subdivision name1California
Subdivision type2County
Subdivision name2Los Angeles
Established titleFounded
Established date1898
Established title2Incorporated
Established date2February 25, 1898
Government typeCouncil–manager
Leader titleMayor
Leader nameJoe Vinatieri
Leader title1City manager
Leader name1Brian Saeki
Unit prefImperial
Area total sq mi14.70
Area land sq mi14.65
Area water sq mi0.05
Area water percent0.35
Elevation ft365
Population total87241
Population as of2020
Population density sq miauto
TimezonePacific
Utc offset−8
Timezone DSTPDT
Utc offset DST−7
Postal code typeZIP Codes
Postal code90601–90610
Area code562
Blank nameFIPS code
Blank info06-85292
Blank1 nameGNIS feature IDs
Blank1 info1661670, 2412252
Websitewww.cityofwhittier.org

Whittier, California. A city in southeastern Los Angeles County, it is a prominent suburb within the Greater Los Angeles area. Founded by Quakers and named for the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, it is historically known for its citrus groves and later as the hometown of President Richard Nixon. The city is anchored by its historic Uptown Whittier district and Whittier College.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Tongva people before becoming part of the Rancho Paso de Bartolo and Rancho La Puente land grants during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. The city was officially founded in 1887 by a group of Quakers led by Aquilla H. Pickering, who named their settlement after the poet and fellow Quaker John Greenleaf Whittier. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1904 spurred growth, transforming the region's extensive citrus orchards into a major economic force. Notable early residents included the family of future President Richard Nixon, who lived here and later attended Whittier College. The city was heavily impacted by the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, which caused significant damage to its historic core.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 14.7 square miles, with Puente Hills to the north and the San Gabriel River to the west. It lies within the Whittier Narrows and is part of the Los Angeles Basin. Major thoroughfares include Whittier Boulevard and the Interstate 605 freeway. The city's topography ranges from flat valley floors to the rugged slopes of the Puente Hills, which are preserved in part as the Puente Hills Landfill and wildlife habitat.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 87,241. The racial makeup is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population, alongside non-Hispanic White, Asian, and Black communities. The median household income is above the average for Los Angeles County, and a high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, due in part to the presence of Whittier College and Rio Hondo College.

Economy

Historically dependent on citrus production and oil extraction, the modern economy is diversified with sectors including healthcare, education, and retail. Major employers include Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Whittier College, and the Whittier Union High School District. The Uptown Whittier district serves as a primary commercial and entertainment hub, while light manufacturing and distribution centers are located in industrial areas. The city also benefits from its proximity to major employment centers in Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County.

Culture and contemporary life

The city is known for its vibrant Uptown Whittier district, featuring historic architecture, restaurants, and the Whittier Village Cinemas. Cultural institutions include the Whittier Historical Society and Museum and the Whittier Public Library. The city hosts annual events like the Whittier Christmas Parade and the Whittier Greenway Trail provides recreational space. Whittier College, a private liberal arts institution, contributes significantly to the cultural and intellectual life, and is home to the Nixon Presidential Materials collection.

Government

The city operates under a council–manager form of government. The elected five-member Whittier City Council includes the mayor, a position currently held by Joe Vinatieri. Day-to-day operations are administered by the appointed city manager. The city is part of Los Angeles County's Fourth Supervisorial District and is represented in the California State Legislature and the United States Congress. Key public safety services are provided by the Whittier Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Category:Cities in Los Angeles County, California Category:Populated places established in 1898 Category:1898 establishments in California