Long Beach

Long Beach.

1 City (1990 pop. 429,433), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on San Pedro Bay; est. 1882 as Willmore City, inc. 1888 as Long Beach. Having an excellent harbor, it serves as one of Los Angeles's two ports—it is one of the world's largest container ports—and a year-round resort noted for its long, wide beaches and active marina. The city also has a large oil industry; oil (discovered in 1921) is found both underground and offshore. Manufactures include aircraft, automobile parts, electronic and audiovisual equipment, and home furnishings. Long Beach grew with the development of high-technology and aerospace industries in the area, and through immigration, with two of the largest groups being Hispanic and Cambodian. Points of interest include an aquarium; an adobe ranch house (1844) that is now a museum; four artificial oil islands in the harbor; and the ocean liner Queen Mary, a museum, hotel, and tourist center. California State Univ. Long Beach is in the city.

2 City (1990 pop. 33,510), Nassau co., SE N.Y., on Long Island; inc. 1922. It is a residential suburb and beach community on the Atlantic Ocean. Clothing, machinery, and umbrellas are manufactured there.

---

Long Beach

City (pop., 2000: 461,522), southwestern California, U.S. The site was originally an Indian trading camp, and Spanish ranches were located there in the 18th century. Laid out as Willmore City in 1880 and incorporated in 1888, it was renamed for its 8.5-mi (13.5-km) beach. The discovery of oil nearby in 1921 led to rapid growth. An earthquake in 1933 caused extensive damage. It is connected to the Los Angeles harbour by the Cerritos Channel. The British ocean liner Queen Mary has been moored in the harbour since 1969.

---

Long Beach

a city in SW California, on San Pedro Bay: resort and naval base; oil-refining. Pop.: 475 460 (2003 est.)