Orange Beach dates back to at least 1838, as shown by property deeds, but as an incorporated city it is comparatively young. After Hurricane Frederic struck on September 12, 1979, widespread publicity led to rapid growth as houses, marinas, and restaurants appeared, and the first condominiums were built in 1984. The sudden expansion made local control and guidelines necessary, and by August 1984 citizens voted to incorporate. A mayor and city council were elected, officials were sworn in on October 15, 1984, and Orange Beach became a city of 1,010 official residents operating from a room in the Community Center. John and Marjorie Snook, owners of Gulf Telephone Company and landowners since the 1950s, donated five acres for a municipal complex on Hwy 161, and the city moved into the complex in September 1988. Electric service reached Orange Beach in 1948. In 1956, John M. Snook developed the first wireless telephone system in the United States using in-home hand-held phones transmitted to Gulf Telephones' switching system in Foley from a 113-foot tower in Orange Beach, whose old bricks can still be seen across Hwy 161 from the city complex. The Orange Beach Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1961, public water service arrived in January 1974, sewer service began in 1982, and local police protection began in May 1985. The U.S. Post Office moved into a new building in 1987. Marjorie Snook Park was dedicated in October 1999, and the 1910 School House was moved there to become The Indian and Sea Museum. The main access road into the complex was named John M. Snook Drive. Today the complex includes City Hall, most city offices, and the U.S. Post Office.