Archaeological evidence reveals human activity on the Channel Islands dating back 11,000 to 12,000 years. By 1000 A.D., the Chumash, descendants of these early Native Americans, had established a significant presence in Southern California. Their territory encompassed the Channel Islands, a coastal strip, and inland valleys stretching from Malibu Creek to Morro Bay.

The period spanning 6,500 to 8,500 years ago, characterized by the proliferation of milling stones (basin metates and manos), is now called the Milling Stone Horizon. This cultural era thrived across the region from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.

Robert Browne, one of the founders and curator of the Ojai Valley Museum until his passing in 1993, made a notable discovery in the 1970s. Alongside his wife, Browne purchased a property in the Mira Monte-Oak View area, where they unearthed over 4,000 artifacts through excavations conducted by a team of archaeologists.

The Chumash people were renowned for their mastery of basket weaving and boat construction, while their rich cosmology has been extensively documented. The name "Ojai" originates from the Chumash word 'awha'y (A-HA-EE), which translates to "moon." It refers to a Chumash village named 'Awha'y that once thrived in the Upper Ojai Valley.

IMAGE: Rare Chumash water jugs

Spanish Franciscan fathers established 21 missions in Alta, California from 1769 to 1823. Having gained independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico enacted a law in 1833 to secularize the California missions, marking the advent of the Rancho Period. Early California’s political and military leaders received divided shares of the Mission and other lands, becoming rancheros who presided over extensive estates.

In 1837, Governor Juan Alvarado granted Fernando Tico, a prominent figure in the region’s social and political affairs, a sprawling 17,716.83-acre expanse encompassing the upper and lower Ojai Valley. Following the common practice, Tico raised cattle for the hide and tallow trade with Europe. In 1853, Tico sold off Rancho Ojay (Spanish spelling).

Subsequently, the Ojai Valley land changed hands multiple times until it was acquired by Thomas A. Scott, an Easterner who served as the acting Assistant Secretary of War under President Lincoln and President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Scott, primarily interested in oil exploration, purchased the land in 1864. However, faced with limited success in finding oil, Scott’s agent Thomas Bard commenced the sale of Ojai Valley land to settlers seeking agricultural opportunities and a salubrious climate by late 1867.

IMAGE: 1854 lithograph of the valley by A. H. Campbell

R. G. Surdam of San Buenaventura laid out a town site in the lower valley in 1873, promoting it far and wide. In 1874, Surdam named his new town Nordhoff in honor of Charles Nordhoff, the author of a popular book called California for Health, Pleasure, and Residence. Although Nordhoff did not mention the Ojai Valley in the first edition of his book, he subsequently visited his namesake town. He included some glowing comments about our lovely valley in his 1882 revised edition. The Ojai Valley quickly gained a reputation as a healing place, especially for people with respiratory illnesses. Families from across the country arrived with sickly members to settle here — the discovery of hot springs in the local mountains added to Ojai’s healing mystique.

Longtime Ojai resident Howard Bald described downtown Ojai: “There were three gaps in the row of buildings on the north side of Main Street. One was between Lagomarsino’s saloon and Archie McDonald’s blacksmith shop at the east end of the business block [the Hub], and Barrow’s hardware store stood alone. There was an alley on both the east and west side of that building, which I think was the site of the present hardware store [Rains].” You can read more of Bald’s recollections, written in 1972, at ojaihistory.com.

IMAGE: Nordhoff before 1917

Nordhoff became a sought-after destination for pioneering families and affluent Easterners seeking a serene environment and warm winter climate. The establishment of the Foothills Hotel in 1903 elevated the town to one of Southern California's top tourist resorts, offering delightful dining, captivating music concerts, horseback riding, and thrilling hunting and fishing adventures in the surrounding wilderness.

In 1907, Edward Drummond Libbey and his wife Florence, enchanted by the area's rustic charm, chose to make it their home. Libbey's active involvement in civic affairs led him to embark on a transformative mission to revitalize the town. Collaborating with the architectural firm of Frank Mead and Richard Requa in 1916, they envisioned a cohesive Spanish-style village, resulting in remarkable structures such as the Arcade, Pergola, Post Office Tower, The Oaks Hotel, St. Thomas Aquinas Church (now the Ojai Valley Museum), Libbey Park, the Ojai Valley Country Club (now the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa), and the Ojai Library property.

By 1917, the town bid farewell to its former name, Nordhoff, embracing its new identity as Ojai. The occasion was celebrated with the inaugural "Ojai Day" in April at the newly established Civic Center Park, now known as Libbey Park.

IMAGE: Edward and Florence Libbey

Ojai continues to captivate visitors and residents with its charm and beauty. Ojai remains a haven for those seeking a tranquil and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town's commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its tree-lined streets and abundant parks and trails, providing ample outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities.

Ojai's vibrant arts scene thrives in the town's galleries, theaters, and creative spaces. The community has fostered a rich artistic community, attracting talented individuals who contribute to its eclectic and diverse cultural tapestry, woven with creativity and passion, from art exhibits to a world-renowned music festival and tennis tournament.

The town's commitment to sustainability and holistic living has made it a hub for wellness and alternative therapies. Visitors indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, practice yoga in serene studios, or embark on mindful hikes through the mountains. Ojai's emphasis on well-being creates a nurturing environment for those seeking physical and spiritual rejuvenation.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Ojai boasts a tight-knit and welcoming community. The town's residents are known for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel like part of the Ojai family. Farmers' markets, local events, and community initiatives foster camaraderie and connection among the town's inhabitants.

IMAGE: Painting by Christopher Noxon