Southern California may be best known for its world-class beaches, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking natural beauty. However, what is often overlooked about SoCal is its vibrant history that can be found in its many towns and cities throughout the state. One city, in particular, is brimming with history and it’s absolutely captivating. You may have heard of this town before or perhaps driven by, but it’s quite possible you never knew this place existed. Let’s take a closer look.

The small town of Wilmington, California, a neighborhood located in the Harbor Region of Los Angeles, may not be your typical tourist destination in SoCal. But, once you take a closer look at this city, you'll soon discover it's well worth exploring.
Google Maps
The historic city of Wilmington is named after Wilmington, Delaware, the hometown of the founder of this SoCal city that dates back to 1858.
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Old postcards of Wilmington depict how it once looked long ago. Although Wilmington has changed in many ways over the years, it still retains some of its old-time charm.
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
The Banning House, pictured here, was the former residence of Phineas Banning who is known as "The Father of the Los Angeles Harbor."
wikimedia commons/michael j locke

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The Banning House, a 23-room home built in 1864, is one of many historic gems to discover in the town of Wilmington. Now a museum, this beautiful and historic residence can be viewed on a docent-led tour.
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The Banning House is located at 401 E. M Street, Wilmington, CA 90744.
Another slice of history you'll discover in Wilmington is the Drum Barracks.
wikimedia commons/michael j locke
The Drum Barracks, a former Civil War military facility, is known for being one of the last standing buildings in Los Angeles from that period of time. Now a California Historic Landmark and a Civil War museum, the Drum Barracks can be toured by the public.
flickr/jasperdo
In addition to the historical architecture that surrounds Wilmington, you can also find plenty of old-time charm just by driving through the residential areas filled with picturesque tree-lined streets towering with Camphor trees. Wilmington has changed quite a bit over the years, but its historical value in SoCal still remains a treasure.
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Have you ever toured the town of Wilmington? For locals and tourists, it offers quite a bit of SoCal history.

If you love discovering new places in Southern California, head to our homepage at Only In Your State to discover new gems throughout the southern part of the state.

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