Anaheim in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

A Utopian Dream

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 4, 2014

1. A Utopian Dream Marker

Inscription. Inspired by John Frohling's vision of a viticulture utopia, the Los Angeles Vineyard Society was formed in 1857. Convinced that wine was the way to wealth, the Society joined the scramble for land and sent surveyor George Hansen on a quest that brought him here, to what then was Rancho San Juan Cajon de Santa Ana. Hansen, in the Society's name, brought a tract of land convering 1,165 acres. The owner, Juan Pacifica Ontiveras, thought the acres of cactus and sage unfit even for a single goat. With access to water from the Santa Ana River, Hansen and the Society saw things differently. In their vision, grapevines replaced cactus. Determined to succeed, the colony's German settlers multiplied vineyard, doubled and then tripled wine production, and fulfilled the utopian dream.

Caption: An engraving of the William Koenig Winery (above). Hand-bottling wine at Dr. James Biellard's winery about 1885 (below).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 33° 50.164′ N, 117° 55.677′ W. Marker is in Anaheim, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from West Street north of Pearl Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 412 N West St, Anaheim CA 92801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mother Colony House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wind and Water / Anaheim Agriculture (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mother Colony House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mother Colony House (within shouting distance of this marker); Architectural Sampler (within shouting distance of this marker); Outdoor Living (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of San Pedro Gate (approx. ¼ mile away); The Beck House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anaheim.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 4, 2014

2. A Utopian Dream Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.