We've all heard the phrase "oil and water don't mix" but in Huntington Beach, California the two liquids are uniquely tied together. Originally part of the Spanish land grant of Rancho Los Nietos, the early history of this coastline city was dedicated mainly for the raising of barley crops, horses and cattle. Despite name changes from Shell Beach to Pacific City, Huntington Beach was basically a sleepy coastal town until the black gold was discovered.

When oil was discovered in 1920 the transformation of Huntington Beach, CA began in ernest. During this period of rapid growth, HB grew into a bustling city of industry and tourism which also helped Orange County prosper and develop. The HB areospace industry also has its mark on history as the Douglas Aricraft Space System Center built the Saturn V rocket that launched the Apollo astronaunts to the moon. Douglas Aircraft eventually became McDonnell Douglas and now Boeing.