Did you know that North Hollywood is the birthplace of California statehood? American history was forever changed in January, 1847, when Lt. Col. John C. Fremont of the United States and General Andres Pico of Mexico met at the Campo de Cahuenga ("Cahuenga Field"), now an historical monument across Lankershim Blvd. from the main entrance to Universal Studios, and signed the treaty that was to end the war between their two countries.

Twenty-two years later, in 1869, newcomer Isaac Lankershim recognized that the fertile lands lying just over the Cahuenga Pass from the city of Los Angeles would support many crops. He and his friend, I.N. Van Nuys, purchased the entire southern half of the San Fernando Valley, about 59,500 acres, for $115,000, and planted wheat. Thus was sown the Valley's bountiful agricultural industry.

A general store and a hotel in 1888 signaled the beginning of our town site's commercial development. In another two years, Wilson C. Weddington moved his family to Toluca/Lankershim, and with ten other families, established the town of Lankershim. By 1896, a post office, rail depot, school, and blacksmith had been added to our farming and fruit orchard community.