The original inhabitants called Temecula the place of origins, “the place of sand and sun.” From the beginnings of the Native American village to the introduction of the railroad that made it into a Western town in 1882, Old Town Temecula captivates visitors and residents with its rustic charm.
Cattlemen and cowboys frequented the saloons and Hollywood’s elite found liquor flowing during Prohibition in Old Town establishments where legendary stories of high times and crimes are retold today. After World War II, Old Town was at a crossroads and residents and travelers dined in roadside cafés along historic Highway 395.
In 1977, after nearly losing its Old West flair, several visionary businessmen decided to promote Old Town Temecula’s historic past by recreating a 1890s Western architectural motif for Old Town. Now a tourist destination for antiquing, dining, and viewing vintage cars, Old Town has something of interest for everyone.
Highlights of Old Town Temecula include:
• Presents photos relating to past crimes and criminals of Old Town that have not been accessed previously
• Explains the origins of the architectural motif of Old Town
• Reveals what is fact vs. fiction of local lore
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit arcadiapublishing.com.
