The first non-native settlers in future West Hollywood were a Tunisian camel driver and his small herd of camels.

Purchasing agents of the US Army recruited “Greek George” Carlamabo in Tunisia where they purchased the camels as transport in America’s new western territories.

George and other cameleers drove half the camels were taken to Los Angeles. In 1864, George brought a half dozen of them to live on a small ranch near present-day Melrose Place, becoming the first known residents of today’s  West Hollywood. More »»

FORGOTTEN WEST HOLLYWOOD
SUNSET STRIP DOCUMENTARY

WEST HOLLYWOOD HISTORIES

US Camel Corps, Hapers Magazine, c. 1857

ORIGINS

1864: Greek George Caralambo and His Camels Settled in Melrose Place

FACT CHECK

The Truth Behind This Photo of Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald

Dodge-House 300x190

DEMOLISHED

1914 The showplace Dodge House on Kings Road was demolished in 1970.

1940s DRAG

Shows seven days a week on La Brea Avenue from 1941 to 1951

MOBSTERS

1944: The mother of all celebrity brawls Read More

DISCOVERED

1942: Lena Horne Discovered in a Strip nightspot

SUNSET STRIP LANDMARKS

The Crescent Heights Market, including world-famous Schwab's Drug Store, on the south side of Sunset between Laurel and Crescent Heights