Dr. Peterson and University leaders

75 Years of The Beach

Cal State Long Beach traces its story back to a pivotal moment in 1949, marked by the enactment of Assembly Bill 8. This legislation, born from the urgent need to address the growing population of Los Angeles and Orange counties, set in motion the establishment of a state college. Seventy-five years later, The Beach continues to meet challenge with opportunity.

LBCC Building
Man looking through a lens
Aerial of campus

 

A 322-acre site set on a hill on the outskirts of Long Beach, the area known by its original peoples as Puvungna, was chosen as the new home of the young institution.

 

Aerial view of campus

In June 1950, the City of Long Beach, by vote of the people, unanimously authorized the City Council to purchase the tract of land.

Aerial shot of the campus

The first dormitories were completed by September 1958, to be used by students the following year. The dormitories shifted the campus from being a 'commuter campus' to a resident college.