Ventura County’s History and Why We’re Proud to Serve the Ventura County Community
Long before Europeans arrived, the central and southern coastal region of California—including present‑day Ventura County—was home to the Chumash people, noted for their sophisticated maritime culture and plank canoes. They traded with island communities and maintained villages along the Ventura River and Santa Clara River estuaries. The Portolá expedition passed through in 1769, and the ninth Spanish mission—Mission San Buenaventura—was founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1782. It became a hub for agriculture and ranching.
During the Mexican era mission lands were secularized and granted as ranchos. After statehood, the area remained part of Santa Barbara County until January 1 1873, when Ventura County was officially formed. The new county seat, San Buenaventura (later shortened to Ventura), saw growth based on agriculture and the natural deep‑water harbor at Port Hueneme. Citrus groves—particularly lemons and oranges—and irrigated fields flourished in the coastal plain, while sheep and cattle grazed inland.
Oil was discovered near the Santa Clara River valley in the late 19th century, adding another industry alongside agriculture. Construction of railways and the Ventura and Ojai electric line improved transportation, and the 20th century brought aerospace manufacturing, Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu and Camarillo, and film shoots attracted by the county’s scenic beaches and mountains.
Today Ventura County is known for its Mediterranean climate, fertile farmland and relaxed coastal communities such as Ventura, Oxnard and Thousand Oaks. With a population approaching 850,000, it remains a leader in agriculture (strawberries, citrus, avocados) and also hosts high‑tech, defense and bioscience firms. Fast Plumbing & Drain is proud to serve Ventura County’s varied communities, from ranches to seaside neighborhoods.