The second colony founded in what is now Orange County (after Anaheim), modern-day Westminster’s history dates back to the 1800’s. Before that, there is evidence of Native Americans living in the area over 8,000 years ago, until the area got too dry to sustain vegetation.

And like many of its neighbors, Westminster, California began as an agricultural community, mainly raising celery. Early founders were teetotalers and were determined not to farm grapes, but they eventually gave way to economic pressures and grapes were planted, with saloons opening right behind them.