Indian Springs Shopping Center (Where Von's & Savon Drugs is now located) is the actual site of the first land sale held in Montrose, California

The tranquil community of Montrose is located in the beautiful Crescenta Valley, which is nestled in the foothills between the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills and the majestic San Gabriel Mountains. Elevation of the Crescenta Valley ranges from 1100 feet to 2700 feet at the highest point above sea level. The Foothill Freeway Interstate 210 and the Glendale State Freeway 2, enable residents to reach points in the Southern California within minutes. Portions of the Crescenta Valley lie within the jurisdiction of the City of Glendale, the City of La Canada Flintridge and the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County.

The area is rich in Spanish heritage. In reward for valiant services to the King of Spain as a soldier in the California military, Jose Maria Verdugo, who served many years in the Mission guard at San Gabriel, was given the first private land grant of California. The date of conveyance was October 20,1784, and became known as the Rancho San Rafael. It encompassed 36,000 acres of grazing land and spread from the Arroyo Seco, which now parallels the Pasadena Freeway, westward to Mission San Fernando. It included the sites of many future cities such as Glendale, Eagle Rock, La Canada, Montrose, Verdugo City and many others.

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Beginning with the 1870's and through the 1920's, activity by developers provided the foundation for the communities of the Crescenta Valley.

Large acreage acquired by Dr. Benjamin Briggs came into the possession of his only daughter, Mrs. Irene Briggs Ward, after his death and she sold to Walton of Holmes and Walton. The Lanterman Subdivision and Beach Addition were also included in the territory which is now Montrose.

In 1914, the Glendale and Montrose Railway was constructed, bringing rail service north from Glendale, as far as Pennsylvania Avenue. The car barn was built in Montrose where the Anawalt Lumber Company is now located.

3516 N. Verdugo Rd.
Glendale, CA 91208
(818) 249-7171