Dr. David Burbank DDS Bust

Can a dentist found a city? Here at the Dr. David Burbank DDS Bust, the answer is a resounding yes. This bronze bust, standing tall, commemorates the man who gave Burbank, California, not just its name but its very foundation. Dr. David Burbank wasn’t a Californian by birth. He was born in New Hampshire in 1821. He practiced dentistry in San Francisco before moving to Los Angeles in 1866. Dr. David Burbank was more than a dentist. He was a shrewd businessman with a keen eye for opportunity. He purchased vast tracts of land, the former Rancho Providencia and Rancho San Rafael, totaling nearly 9,000 acres. This land, once used for sheep ranching, would become the bedrock of the future city. Dr. David Burbank’s vision extended beyond sheep. He saw the potential for growth and development. He sold a right-of-way to the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1873. This move opened up the area to further expansion and fueled the influx of new residents. He even donated land for Burbank’s first school, further solidifying his role in the community’s development. In 1886, he sold his holdings to the Providencia Land, Water, and Development Company. This sale paved the way for the official founding of the town of Burbank in 1887. Though the town faced economic hardships in its early years, Dr. Burbank’s initial investment laid the groundwork for its eventual prosperity. He even invested in Burbank’s cultural scene, building a theater in 1888. Dr. David Burbank DDS Bust isn’t just a statue. It’s a testament to a man’s vision. It’s a reminder that even a dentist can shape the landscape of a city.