In 1839, the Mexican government granted the Machados and Talamantes families title to Rancho La Ballona.

[2][3][4] In 1857, Benjamin D. Wilson, the mayor of Los Angeles, through foreclosure received title to a quarter of Rancho La Ballona.

[5] Later, in 1859, Wilson, for $5000, sold 3,480 acres (1,410 ha) of Rancho La Ballona to George A. Sanford and John D. Young.

[7][8] In 1863, Louis Mesmer sold his Los Angeles bakery and purchased extensive land holdings from the Machados, including Port Ballona.

The Sherman's tram line opened in December 1902, it departed Downtown Los Angeles at 4th & Broadway.