Towards the end of the 19th century, Fred W. Swanton, considered one of the greatest promoters and entrepreneurs of his time, laid plans for a casino and boardwalk, a "Coney Island of the West." The casino opened in 1904 but survived only 22 months; on June 22, 1906, the uninsured building was completely destroyed by fire. Legend holds that Swanton was lining up financing and ordering materials to rebuild even before the last wisps of smoke disappeared. By summer's end, famed architect William Weeks was drawing up plans, and on June 15, 1907, less than one year after the devastating fire, the new Boardwalk and Casino opened. One hundred years later, the Boardwalk is California's oldest continuously operated seaside amusement park and has provided generations of visitors a unique setting in which to build millions of memories with their families and friends.
