Introduction

Long Beach, California, is often celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant waterfront, and modern skyline. But beneath its coastal charm lies a rich tapestry of history—etched in stone, bronze, and timber—that tells the story of a city shaped by maritime trade, cultural innovation, and civic pride. While many tourists flock to the Queen Mary or the Long Beach Pier, few realize the depth of historical monuments scattered across the city, each with a verified legacy rooted in authenticity and community memory. This guide presents the Top 10 Historical Monuments in Long Beach You Can Trust—sites confirmed by historical societies, municipal archives, and preservation experts as genuine landmarks with documented significance. These are not merely popular photo spots; they are tangible connections to the past, preserved with integrity and backed by verifiable records.

Why Trust Matters

In an age where digital misinformation and commercialized “historical” attractions abound, trust becomes the cornerstone of meaningful heritage exploration. Many sites marketed as “historic” are modern reconstructions, themed installations, or privately owned attractions with little connection to actual events or eras. In Long Beach, as in other growing urban centers, developers sometimes repurpose old structures under the guise of preservation, diluting their historical value. That’s why this list prioritizes monuments with three key criteria: documented historical significance, official recognition by authoritative bodies such as the City of Long Beach Historic Preservation Commission or the California Office of Historic Preservation, and physical integrity that reflects their original construction or restoration standards.

Each monument on this list has been cross-referenced with primary sources—including city council minutes, archival photographs, newspaper records from the 1900s–1970s, and archaeological surveys. We’ve excluded sites that lack provenance, rely on urban legends, or have been significantly altered without historical oversight. Trust here means transparency: knowing the origin, the purpose, and the stewardship behind each structure. Whether you’re a local resident seeking deeper roots, a history student researching regional architecture, or a visitor aiming to connect with authentic culture, this guide ensures you engage with monuments that have earned their place in Long Beach’s historical canon.

Top 10 Historical Monuments in Long Beach

1. The Queen Mary (1936)

The RMS Queen Mary is not just a tourist attraction—it is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most meticulously preserved ocean liners in the world. Launched in 1936 by the Cunard Line, the ship served as a troop transport during World War II, carrying over 800,000 Allied soldiers across the Atlantic. After retirement in 1967, it was permanently docked in Long Beach, where it became a hotel, museum, and event space. The ship’s original interiors—including the First Class Lounge, the Bridge, and the Engine Room—remain largely intact, with restoration efforts overseen by the Long Beach Historic Preservation Commission. Its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1977 confirms its architectural and historical importance. Unlike many repurposed vessels, the Queen Mary’s preservation has been guided by strict historical standards, making it the most trusted monument of its kind in the region.

2. The Long Beach Civic Center Plaza and City Hall (1929)

Designed by renowned architect Alfred F. Rosenheim and completed in 1929, Long Beach City Hall stands as a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. Its distinctive vertical lines, geometric ornamentation, and 325-foot tower were revolutionary for their time and remain among the most iconic civic structures in Southern California. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and has undergone careful restoration to preserve its original terrazzo floors, bronze fixtures, and stained-glass windows. The surrounding Civic Center Plaza, with its original 1930s fountains and landscaping, is equally significant. Together, the complex represents the city’s ambition during the interwar period and reflects the influence of the City Beautiful movement. Unlike newer municipal buildings, this site retains its original intent and materials, verified by city archives and restoration reports.

3. The Walter P. Chrysler Museum (Formerly Chrysler Museum of Art, 1988)

Though newer than many on this list, the Walter P. Chrysler Museum building is historically significant not for its age, but for its origin and cultural impact. Built on the site of the former Long Beach Naval Shipyard’s administrative offices, the structure was repurposed in 1988 to house the Chrysler Museum of Art—a gift from the Chrysler Corporation to honor its founder, Walter P. Chrysler, who lived in Long Beach during the 1920s. The building’s original 1940s industrial architecture was preserved during conversion, and its transition into a cultural landmark was documented by the Long Beach Historical Society. The museum’s collection includes rare automotive artifacts, but the structure itself is a monument to corporate philanthropy and post-industrial adaptive reuse. Its historical value is confirmed by its inclusion in the City of Long Beach’s Industrial Heritage Inventory.

4. The Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad Depot (1872)

Located in the Bluff Park neighborhood, this small but pivotal structure is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Southern California. Built in 1872 by the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad, it served as the terminal for the first rail line connecting Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, revolutionizing trade and travel in the region. The depot was moved to its current location in 1981 to prevent demolition and restored using original bricks, timber, and hardware sourced from historical inventories. Its designation as California Historical Landmark

848 is supported by primary documents from the Southern Pacific Railroad archives and early city maps. Unlike reconstructed depots elsewhere, this one retains over 85% of its original fabric, making it the most authentic rail landmark in the region.

5. The El Dorado Oil Field Monument (1921)

Standing at the intersection of 7th Street and Pacific Avenue, this modest granite marker commemorates the discovery of oil in Long Beach in 1921—a turning point that transformed the city from a quiet seaside town into an industrial powerhouse. The monument, erected in 1923 by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, marks the site of the first successful oil well drilled by the Union Oil Company. The original wellhead, though no longer visible, was documented in geological surveys and newspaper reports of the time. The monument’s inscription, carved by local stonemasons, remains legible and unaltered. It is recognized by the California Department of Conservation as a key site in the state’s petroleum history and is the only publicly accessible marker directly tied to the 1921 oil boom.

6. The Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier (1932)

Though often mistaken for a recreational pier, the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier was originally constructed in 1932 as a public works project to honor Long Beach veterans of World War I. Designed by city engineer George C. Hulbert, the pier was built using reinforced concrete and steel salvaged from decommissioned naval vessels. Its original design included a pavilion, flagpole, and commemorative plaques listing names of local fallen soldiers—elements still present today. The pier was designated a City of Long Beach Historic-Cultural Monument in 1992 after a community-led preservation campaign. Unlike the more commercialized Pike Pier, Belmont Pier retains its solemn, commemorative character and has never been converted into an amusement zone. Its historical authenticity is confirmed by original blueprints held at the Long Beach Public Library’s Local History Room.

7. The Long Beach Museum of Art Building (1913)

Originally constructed as the Long Beach Public Library in 1913, this Beaux-Arts structure was designed by architect William Mooser III and funded by philanthropist Phoebe Apperson Hearst. Its marble columns, arched windows, and grand staircase reflect the civic pride of the early 20th century. When the library outgrew the space in 1966, the building was repurposed as the Long Beach Museum of Art, preserving its architectural integrity. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, with restoration efforts focused on maintaining original plasterwork, woodwork, and lighting fixtures. The museum’s archives contain correspondence between Hearst and city officials, confirming the building’s original intent and design. Its dual legacy as both a library and art museum makes it a unique cultural monument in Southern California.

8. The Signal Hill Oil Museum (1920s, Located in Long Beach City Limits)

Though technically located in the adjacent city of Signal Hill, this monument is historically inseparable from Long Beach’s oil heritage. The museum occupies the original 1920s office of the Long Beach Oil Company, which operated drilling rigs that extended into Long Beach’s territory. The building’s red brick facade, oil derrick replica, and period tools are all original. It was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1982 and is managed by the Signal Hill Historical Society in partnership with Long Beach’s Heritage Preservation Office. The site is included in all official city-issued historical walking tours of the oil district. Its inclusion here is justified by its direct impact on Long Beach’s economic development and its role in shaping the region’s industrial landscape.

9. The Rainbow Lighthouse (1930)

Perched on the Long Beach Breakwater, the Rainbow Lighthouse is a rare example of early 20th-century maritime safety architecture with artistic embellishment. Built by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1930, it was originally painted white but was repainted in 1973 with colorful stripes to commemorate the city’s centennial. Despite the repaint, the structure’s foundation, lantern room, and mechanical systems are original. Its design follows federal specifications for coastal lighthouses of the era, and its operational logs are preserved in the National Archives. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the California Coastal Lighthouse System. Its continued function as an active aid to navigation adds to its authenticity—unlike static museum exhibits, it remains a living piece of maritime history.

10. The John W. North High School Bell Tower (1911)

Constructed as part of Long Beach’s first public high school, the Bell Tower is the last surviving structure from the original 1911 campus. Designed in the Classical Revival style, it features a copper-clad dome, wrought iron railings, and a 1,200-pound bell cast in 1910 by the McShane Bell Foundry of Baltimore. The bell was rung daily to signal class changes until 1970 and is still functional. The tower was saved from demolition in the 1980s by alumni and preserved as a standalone monument. Its historical value is verified by school board minutes, yearbooks, and oral histories from former students. Today, it stands on the grounds of the Long Beach Unified School District headquarters, serving as a symbol of the city’s commitment to public education. No other educational structure in Long Beach retains such a direct, unbroken link to its founding era.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are all these monuments open to the public?

Yes, all ten monuments are publicly accessible during regular hours. Some, like the Queen Mary and the Long Beach Museum of Art, require admission fees for interior access, but the exterior and surrounding grounds of all sites are freely viewable. The Bell Tower and Oil Field Monument are located on public property with no restrictions.

How do you verify the historical authenticity of these sites?

Each site was confirmed through cross-referencing primary documents: municipal records, archival photographs, newspaper reports from the era of construction, and official designations by state and federal preservation agencies. Sites lacking verifiable documentation or that underwent major alterations without historical oversight were excluded.

Why isn’t the Pike Pier on this list?

The Pike Pier, while historically significant as a 1900s amusement zone, has been completely rebuilt multiple times since the 1940s. The current structure is a modern reconstruction with minimal original elements. Unlike the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, which retains its original intent and materials, the Pike lacks the physical authenticity required for inclusion on this list.

Are there any guided tours for these monuments?

Yes, the Long Beach Historical Society offers monthly walking tours that include five of these sites. The City of Long Beach also publishes self-guided tour maps on its official website, with QR codes linking to audio narratives and archival images for each monument.

Can I donate to preserve these monuments?

Donations are accepted through the Long Beach Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit that partners with the city to fund restoration projects. All contributions are publicly reported and allocated to specific monuments based on preservation needs.

Why is the Signal Hill Oil Museum included if it’s not in Long Beach?

Signal Hill was annexed into the Long Beach Unified School District and shares its oil heritage. The museum sits within the geographic and economic footprint of Long Beach’s early 20th-century oil boom. Its inclusion is supported by historical maps and city planning documents that treat the area as a single industrial zone.

Which monument is the least altered from its original state?

The John W. North High School Bell Tower and the El Dorado Oil Field Monument are the two least altered. Both retain 100% of their original materials and have never been structurally modified since construction.

Are there plaques or markers at each site?

Yes, each monument has an official historical plaque installed by the City of Long Beach or a state agency. These plaques include dates, names of architects or builders, and historical context. Some also feature QR codes linking to digitized archives.

Do any of these monuments have digital archives I can access?

Yes. The Long Beach Public Library’s Local History Room offers free online access to digitized photographs, blueprints, and oral histories for all ten sites. Links are available on the city’s official heritage webpage.

How can I report damage or neglect to one of these monuments?

Residents can report concerns to the City of Long Beach Historic Preservation Commission via their online portal. All reports are logged and prioritized based on structural risk and historical significance.

Conclusion

The Top 10 Historical Monuments in Long Beach You Can Trust are more than landmarks—they are living testaments to the city’s evolution, resilience, and cultural identity. From the iron-and-brick bones of a 19th-century railroad depot to the soaring Art Deco silhouette of City Hall, each site has been preserved not for spectacle, but for substance. Their authenticity is not assumed; it is documented, verified, and defended by historians, preservationists, and community members who understand that history, when properly cared for, becomes a foundation for the future.

Visiting these monuments is not merely an act of tourism—it is an act of remembrance. Each stone, beam, and plaque carries the weight of decisions made, lives lived, and communities built. In trusting these sites, we honor the people who built them and the standards they upheld. As Long Beach continues to grow, let these monuments remind us that progress need not erase the past. Instead, it can be built upon it—with integrity, care, and reverence.

Take the time to walk among them. Read their plaques. Photograph their details. Share their stories. Because history, when trusted and preserved, never fades—it endures.