From Lordsburg to La Verne
Lordsburg Land Office with the original Lordsburg Hotel in the background. Circa 1888.
Following the arrival of the Santa Fe railroad in 1887, the town of Lordsburg was founded by Los Angeles businessman Issac W. Lord. In 1891, the original Lordsburg Hotel became the home of what is now the University of La Verne. The name of the town was changed in 1917 from Lordsburg to La Verne and was Known as the ‘Heart of the Orange Empire’, famous for it’s sweet Navel Oranges.
Today Old Town La Verne retains much of the original history and charm of the earlier days. It remains filled with great restaurants, retail and service businesses surrounded by century old neighborhoods.
Old Town La Verne
As the City of La Verne continued to grow in the 1970’s, City Hall along with much of the business community began a migration to the new geographic center of town – Foothill Blvd. Old Town was down but not out. In the 1987 a group of business owners approached the City Council to form a Business Improvement District to help facilitate the rehabilitation of the old city core. Today, Old Town is a thriving District that combines over 80 unique owner-operated businesses and the University of La Verne, all surrounded by a historic residential community with many beautiful homes more than 100 years old.
The Old Town La Verne Business Association now represents and promotes the business community, hosting several successful events each year including the Cool Cruise, Wine and Beer Walks and Holiday Stroll.
Enjoy the Restaurants, Shops and Service Providers as you discover the wonders of Old Town La Verne.