The city was named after its founder, Harry Culver, who first attempted to establish it in 1913. In the 1920s, Culver City became a center for film and later television production. It was best known as the home of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios from 1924 to 1986. From 1932 to 1986, it was the headquarters for the Hughes Aircraft Company.

Dive into Culver City's fascinating history, from ancient beginnings with the Gabrielinos to its bustling present-day community. Explore the settlement of La Ballona Valley, the vision of Harry H. Culver, and the city's growth into a vibrant hub of industry and education.

Culver City Fact Sheet First known inhabitants: Gabrieliños / Tongva Characteristics: peace loving, monotheistic, highly developed language, had a system of money, named for their nearness to the San Gabriel Mission

When the Culver City Historical Society was incorporated in 1980, the Society, under founding president Catherine Zermeno, began a program of marking historic sites. To qualify, a site must be at least 50 years old and be determined to have historic significance.

• January 22 – Harry Culver is born in Milford, Nebraska. • The Figueroas donate land to build St. Augustine’s, the first church (completed in 1887), in what becomes Culver City.

Elvis in Culver CityElvis rocked Culver City while filming “Jailhouse Rock”, “Viva Las Vegas”, “The Trouble With Girls” and more!

Mar 8, 2025 · Formed from part of Rancho La Ballona and Rincón de Los Bueyes, the city was laid out in 1914 by Harry H. Culver and promoted as a site for motion-picture production. Culver first persuaded Thomas Ince to move his studios to Culver City.