Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Pershing Square

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 9, 2018

1. Pershing Square Marker

Inscription. A portion of the area of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, established during the governorship of Felipe de Neve in 1781. Dedicated as “Public Square” by city ordinance, 1866. Named Central Park in 1893. Renamed in 1918 in honor of John J. Pershing, General of the armies.

Erected 1961 by Woodmen of the World.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 34° 2.922′ N, 118° 15.14′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. It is at the intersection of Hill Street and 5th Street, on the right when traveling south on Hill Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Los Angeles CA 90013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once

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New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); General John J. Pershing (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Ironsides (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish–American War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Biltmore Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Biltmore Hotel (about 300 feet away); Judson Rives Building (about 800 feet away); Pacific Mutual Building (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 9, 2018

2. Pershing Square Marker

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 9, 2018

3. Pershing Square Marker

<i>Central Park, Los Angeles, Cal.</i> image. Click for full size.

Image courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library, circa 1915

4. Central Park, Los Angeles, Cal.

"Mayor Cristobal Aguilar signed Pershing Square into being in 1866. At the time, Pershing Square was called La Plaza Abaja ("The Lower Plaza"). However, it was renamed Pershing Square in 1918 in honor of General John J. Pershing. It is bounded by 5th, 6th, Hill and Olive streets..."

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 612 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on December 13, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.