South Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Historic Palm Tree
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 20, 2018
1. Historic Palm Tree Marker
This historic palm tree stood for more than 25 years at the entrance of the Southern Pacific Station. At this railroad portal of the city it became a familiar landmark to many thousands of Los Angeles and Southern California citizens and visitors from elsewhere, and was a mute witness to the growth of Los Angeles from a community of Pueblo days to a great world metropolis of today. When construction of a new Southern Pacific station necessitated removal, under the auspices of the Los Angeles Examiner it was presented to the City of Los Angeles by the Southern Pacific Company. On September 5, 1914, It was placed here, where it and its sentimental associations will be permanently preserved.
Erected 1914.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 5, 1914.
Location. 34° 0.844′ N, 118° 16.995′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Los Angeles. It is at the intersection
this page online
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 New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Los Angeles Sports Arena (within shouting distance of this marker); Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (within shouting distance of this marker); Spy in the Sky (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Spy in the Sky (about 600 feet away); Endeavor in Tow (about 700 feet away); Wishing on a Star, 2009 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Zobelein Estate (approx. 0.2 miles away);
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 20, 2018
2. Historic Palm Tree Marker
Regarding Historic Palm Tree. This is often called the Oldest Palm Tree in Los Angeles. It is certainly one of the oldest, but other palm trees in Los Angeles might be older.
It was originally moved from the wilds to a location on San Pedro Street between 2nd and 3rd streets in the 1850s. In 1889 it was moved to a spot in front of the entrance to Arcade Depot. It is uncertain whether the tree was moved to its present location in 1914 or somewhere else in Exposition Park, which was formerly known as Agricultural Park. The current location of the tree is near the Coliseum, which opened in 1923.
Additional keywords. Oldest Palm Tree in Los Angeles
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 20, 2018
3. Historic Palm Tree
Courtesy USC Libraries, circa 1890
4. Southern Pacific Station - 1890
The fan palm greeted tourists and emigrants when they arrived.
from Wikimedia Commons, circa 1873
5. The Historic Palm Tree in 1873
At its original location in Los Angeles. Its the smaller palm on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 4,069 times since then and 420 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 28, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on February 24, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
