Like many of the San Fernando Valley communities, the hunter gather, Gabrielino Indians were the original residence of Tarzana. Edgar R. Burroughs wrote Tarzan of the Apes and it became a best seller. With the monies from the book and movie E. R. Burroughs purchased the 550 acres estate and named it Tarzan Ranch. With the growth of Los Angeles, Burroughs sold off a large portion for home sites. Subsequently, by 1930 the area became a thriving community and the residents held a contest to name the community and Tarzana won. Today Tarzana is a thriving community with eateries, delicatessens and shops.