The U.S. Geological Survey National Mapping Information locates this city at 33° 31' 21" N 117° 42' 24" W.
Laguna Niguel is a city located in southern Orange County, California. The population was 61,891 at the 2000 census. The city was primarily built after 1980 as an unincorporated master planned community located in the foothills of Laguna Beach. It borders Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, and Aliso Viejo.
Laguna Niguel is located on what used to be the Mexican land grant of Juan Avila. When California became a United States territory in 1848, he had to legally battle to retain ownsherip of the land, which cost him significantly. He retained ownership until 1865, when a severe drought killed off most of his cattle.
Lewis Moulton, owner of the Moulton Company, bought the area of modern-day Laguna Niguel in 1895, along with significant other portions of the surrounding area from farmers that were hard pressed to earn a living due to a local drought in the area.
The Laguna Niguel Corporation, started by Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes from Boston in 1959, made it one of the first master planned communities in California. Victor Gruen, a Vienna architect, and Associates developed a community plan for 7,100 acres. The Avco Community Developer in 1969 continued the plan, which by then held 6,500 residents.
The construction of the San Diego, I-5, Freeway in 1959 allowed more people to arrive there. The first communities developed in Laguna Niguel were right along the coast, touching the southern boarder of Laguna Beach. These communities were called Monarch Bay and the Monarch Bay Terrace built between 1960 and 1962.
In 1973, Laguna Niguel Regional Park opens, and in 1974 a one-million square-foot ziggurat building is given to the United States government. These two projects constitute the largest ever in the city, up to present day.
On December 1, 1989, Laguna Niguel became an incorporated city in Orange County and became its 29th city.