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Anaheim comes in as the number ten in the rankings for the largest cities in California and traces its origins back to 1857 and a colony of German farmers. The name itself comes from the nearby Santa Ana River and the German word for home "heim". In 1887 the city stood with a population of just 881 yet had rapidly risen to 5,526 by 1920 and comprised of a close knit agricultural community. Anaheim's large orange growing industry was helped by the construction of the Santa Fe depot in 1887, which linked them to the east providing them with access to vital markets. The Anaheim Halloween parade which still remains popular is a local tradition which began in 1924 and at one time as many as 150000 spectators would watch the parade as it moved along the downtown streets. Anaheim was transformed forever when ion the 1950`s the legendary Walt Disney Came up with the concept of a family playground which people could use to unwind and escape the pressures of the time. Luckily for Anaheim the city of Burbank was first approached with the idea and refused. Walt Disney then investigated the possibility of Anaheim as a suitable venue and after engaging in talks construction began on April 2nd 1954 with the opening day set as July 1955. No fewer than 33,000 people showed up for the televised opening and by the time the park was seven weeks old one million customers had passed through its gates. The effect on Anaheim was very positive and it quickly became a boomtown as businesses located there and its reputation grew. It now holds the title of the second largest city in Orange County and the 59th in the nation. Anaheim took a journey into major league baseball in 1960`sas the Angels started the season in 1964 and went down in Anaheim history. The stadium has been modified several times and renamed the Eddison international field of Anaheim. Walt Disney announced in 1993 that the mighty ducks would also begin playing in the Anaheim area. Another significant venture is the Arrowhead pond of Anaheim which has held several events ranging from concerts to sporting events. The latest developments in the city have been the renovation of the resort area and the re development of the downtown area. There has also been the building of the Disney Californian adventure theme park and the grand Californian resort hotel. Anaheim has come a long way from a small farming community with its German settlers. It is now a large city with a massive tourist industry and impressive array of attractions and facilities which are famous worldwide. |