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

The Orange Plaza

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 2, 2017

1. The Orange Plaza Marker

Inscription. The Orange Plaza boundaries were established by the first survey of the site of Richland. This gift to the town, by A.S. Chapman and Andrew Glassell has been the focal point for local festivals and activities for over 100 years. After determined efforts to make it a square was defeated, in 1886 the first fountain (now in Hart Park) was placed here through the funds raising efforts of the Women of Orange.

Erected 1976 by Orange Rotary Club, and Orange Bicentennial Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 33° 47.272′ N, 117° 51.186′ W. Marker is in Orange, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orange CA 92866, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: May Festival (here, next to this marker); Torch Run (here, next to this marker); Site of First Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Orange's First Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Armor Building

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(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Orange Plaza (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Orange Street Cars (about 700 feet away); City of Orange Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orange.

Also see . . . Orange Bicentennial Markers. (Submitted on September 26, 2023.)

Orange Plaza Fountain, 1937 version image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 2, 2017

2. Orange Plaza Fountain, 1937 version

<i>The Plaza at Orange, Cal.</i> image. Click for full size.

courtesy of the Orange Public Library and History Center, 1920s

3. The Plaza at Orange, Cal.

'Plaza Park in Orange, California. Image of hand-colored postcard looking northwest shows park with flag pole and original three-tiered fountain decorated with herons, owls and cat-tails, installed in 1887 and later replaced in 1937 by a tile and electric fountain constructed by the Westinghouse Electric Company. Printed along bottom left corner in red text with "The Plaza at Orange, Cal." '

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on January 8, 2022. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the marker showing its location in context. • Can you help?