Santa Paula in Ventura County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Birthplace of Union Oil Company of California
| | National Register of Historic Places | |
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Union Oil Company Marker
Erected 1940 by City of Santa Paula. (Marker Number 996.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Ventura County Historical Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 17, 1861.
Location. 34° 21.25′ N, 119° 3.592′ W. Marker is in Santa Paula, California, in Ventura County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and 10th Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1003 E Main St, Santa Paula CA 93060, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, on Central Coast, and in the 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 New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Glen Tavern Inn (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Depot, Santa Paula (about 700 feet away); Saint Francis Dam Disaster Memorial (about 700 feet away); The Town Clock (approx. 0.2 miles away); Water Well Drilling Rig
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Another marker is no longer nearby. Familia Diaz Cafe (was approx. Ό mile away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark No. 996, Ventura County Landmark No. 36, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Regarding Birthplace of Union Oil Company of California. The Santa Paula Hardware Company Building, more commonly referred to as the Union Oil Company Building, is significant for its historical importance as the birthplace of the Union Oil Company on October 17, 1890. The building continued to serve as a field division office after the main headquarters moved to Los Angeles in 1900. In 1950 the Union Oil Museum was established and in 1990, for its Centennial Celebration, the building was restored to is original appearance and reopened as a new state-of-the-art oil museum. SOURCE: California Historical Landmarks, California State
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Union Oil Company Building
Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007
3. Union Oil Company Building
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. Memorial Marker
In memory of the founders of the Union Oil Company of California, founded October 17, 1890, Santa Paula. 1890 - 1965, Diamond Anniversary. Placed by El Aliso Parlor No. 314 Native Daughters of the Golden West, dedicated October 25, 1965.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 18, 2007
5. Discovering Black Gold in Santa Paula
Photographed by Craig Baker
6. Discovering Black Gold in Santa Paula
Mural by Jim Fahnstock, Fallbrook, CA
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 4, 2026
7. Mural has Faded
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2011. This page has been viewed 1,442 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on August 10, 2020. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on January 3, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4. submitted on March 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on January 3, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 6. submitted on March 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on April 5, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
