Marina Del Rey Timeline

A timeline showing the history of Marina del Rey California from the 1800's when the idea of building a harbor next to the Playa del Ray Estuary to the present day.

Timeline of Marina del Rey History

1887
Real estate develooper M. C. Wicks conceived the idea of turning the Playa del Rey wetlands into a harbor. At the time the area was a popular duck hunting venue. His company Ballona Development company invested $300,000 in the project but they went bankrupt about three years later.

1916
US Army says major MDR harbor idea is not practical

1936
Congress orders another study of the idea

1936
San Pedro Gets developed instead of Marina del Rey

1949
US army says MDR small boat harbor would work

1957
Marina del Rey jetty construction begins

1958
Construction of first jettys completed

1962
Emergency measures to protect MDR from wave damage

1963
Construction began on protective breakwater

1965
New Harbor was formally dedicated on April 10, 1965