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BEFORE THE 101

Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway paved paradise in 1954

Hollywood’s First Tourist Attraction (1901-1927)

Sep 3, 2022
2 min read

Before the Hollywood sign or Walk of Fame, the first tourist attraction in town was Paul de Longpre’s enchanting gardens on Cahuenga.

Colorized postcard of Paul de Longpre's Residence, Hollywood, Cal., showing a grand mansion and flower-filled garden at sunset. — Paul de Longpre postcard (CA State)

In 1901, the French painter built a Mission Revival mansion on his “Corner of Paradise,” three acres just north of Prospect Boulevard (later renamed Hollywood Boulevard), reportedly gifted by the Mother of Hollywood, Daeida Wilcox Beveridge, in a bid to bring world-famous culture to her blossoming community.