Rancho Santa Margarita, CA has a rich history and was originally inhabited by Native Americans. Once ruled by Mexico, their governors divided the surrounding area into three large ranches or ranchos: Rancho Mission Viejo, Rancho Trabuco and Rancho Santa Margarita.
Community voters approved the incorporation of the area in November 1999 which included surrounding neighborhoods Robinson Ranch, Dove Canyon, Rancho Cielo, Trabuco Highlands and the Walden Communities. On January 1, 2000, Rancho Santa Margarita, California became the 33rd city in Orange County.