In 1914 it was described as being south of Hollywood and north of Melrose Avenue.[1]
The settlement was founded by Cornelius Cole on land deeded to him by Henry Hancock that had once been part of the Rancho La Brea. A post office was first built at Colegrove in 1884, predating the post office in Hollywood by several years. Colegrove was named for Cole's wife, Olive Colegrove Cole, and the Cole family gave their name to several streets in the Colegrove area, including Cole St., Willoughby Ave., Eleanor St. and Seward St.