The first inhabitants were the Hahamogna Tribe of Indians, who were hunter-gatherers. When the Spanish invaded, the Indians were subjugated, converted, and forced to work for the mission. Thanks to their hard labor, the San Gabriel Mission, the fourth in the state, grew prosperous, with flourishing orchards, vineyards and herds. Once Mexico gained control of the area, the missions were secularized and their lands divided among the faithful.

Pasadena incorporated in 1886 so it could get rid of its saloon. Its founders were progressive thinkers, and added amenities such as sewers, paved streets and electric street lights.

On January 1, 1890, the Valley Hunt Club began a mid-winter festival that included a procession of flower-bedecked horses and carriages. This annual tradition is now know as the Tournament of Roses Parade, and is eagerly anticipated by its fans for the beauty and creativity of its floats. Another attraction was the Echo Mountain incline railway that opened in Crystal Springs in 1893 and included a mountain chalet and alpine tavern.

The Pasadena of today is best known for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game. However, it is also home to the world-renowned California Institute of Technology and the jet Propulsion Laboratory. Pasadena still preserves its heritage, and its historic buildings are a striking contract to space-age technology in an exquisite setting at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains.