Welcome to L.A. Street Names, the origin stories of street names across Los Angeles County, from the shortest cul-de-sacs to the longest boulevards. Mysteries solved, myths debunked, scandals exposed, history revealed. This is an ongoing project with more than 1,700 streets – and growing. See FAQ for more information.
Featured Major Street
Beachwood Drive
Miles from the seashore, the “beach” in Beachwood Canyon refers to Albert Henry Beach (1854-1936). Born in Shakespeare, Ontario, Canada, Beach came to the U.S. as a child. He moved to California in 1873 – first to San Rafael, then to the new town of Escondido. During this time, he worked as a telegraph operator and sold wheat seeds on the side. In 1886, however, Beach embarked upon a new career in real estate, which would prove long and successful. With Los Angeles offering greater opportunities than Escondido, Beach, his wife Anna (née Scott, 1857-1933), and their daughters Mabel, Blanche, and Bonnie moved up here in 1899. Beach purchased 180 acres north of Hollywood in 1905 and subdivided it three years later as Beachwood Park, with Beachwood Drive its main drag.