Newhall in Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Oak of the Golden Dream
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 19, 2009
1. Oak of the Golden Dream Marker
In 1839, the Mexican Government granted to Antonio del Valle some 48,000 acres of The Santa Clarita Valley known as the Del Valle Rancho.
On March 9, 1842, Francisco Lopez y Arbello, the brother-in-law of Antonio del Valle, visited the Rancho. While napping under a great oak tree, he dreamt that he was surrounded by gold and was very rich. Upon awaking, he picked a bunch of wild onions that were growing around some sycamore trees just north of the great oak tree. Attached to the onion roots were several small pieces of gold.
This discovery by Francisco Lopez y Arbello marked the first recorded discovery of gold in California.
The great oak tree became known as “The Oak of the Golden Dream.”
Erected 1991 by Santa Clarita Valley Association of Realtors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1842.
Location. 34° 22.627′ N, 118° 28.287′ W. Marker is in Santa Clarita, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Newhall. Marker can be reached from Placerita Canyon Road, 1˝ miles east of the Antelope Valley Freeway (California Route 14). Marker and Oak are located on the Heritage Trail at the Placerita Canyon Natural
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Oak of the Golden Dream (a few steps from this marker); Oil in Placerita Canyon (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Walker Cabin (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Oak of the Golden Dream (approx. 1.2 miles away); White Oil Seep (approx. 1.3 miles away); Walker Ranch (approx. 1˝ miles away); Last Horse Drawn Hearse of Los Angeles County (approx. 2.3 miles away); Eternal Valley (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Clarita.
Also see . . . The Family History of Antonio del Valle. (Submitted on June 20, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 19, 2009
2. Oak of the Golden Dream Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 19, 2009
3. Oak of the Golden Dream
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 19, 2009
4. Entrance to Tunnel
This tunnel, on the Heritage Trail to the Oak of Golden Dream, takes walkers under Placerita Canyon Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 5,104 times since then and 116 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 20, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
