Downtown Riverside in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Napoleon and Joseph
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 14, 2023
1. Napoleon and Joseph Marker
During The Mission Inn's early days, Frank Miller, Master of the Inn, had two macaws that lived at the hotel for many years, Napoleon arrived to The Mission Inn in 1907 and welcomed guests for 49 years. His name comes from the fact that his blue and gold plumage resembled the uniform worn by Emperor Napoleon. Upon his death in 1956 he was placed on the slopes of Mount Rubidoux just to the west of the hotel. Joseph's "coat of many colors" earned him his name. He arrived at the hotel in 1900 and enjoyed 39 years of his life here at The Mission Inn.
Napoleon and Joseph greeted many famous guests, including President William Howard Taft, Henry Ford, Teddy Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. They found, as you may, the birds to be a very entertaining part of the hotel. Many colorful images of Napoleon and Joseph can be found on stained glass windows, ceramic tiles and decorative paintings throughout The Mission Inn.
Erected by Mission Inn.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 33° 58.983′ N, 117° 22.367′ W. Marker is in Riverside, California, in Riverside County. It is in Downtown Riverside.
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Inland Empire, and in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. 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: Mission Inn (here, next to this marker); Booker Taliaferro Washington (a few steps from this marker); Style and Grace of a Golden Era (a few steps from this marker); Bell From Locomotive 66 (a few steps from this marker); The Nanjing Bell (a few steps from this marker); This Olive Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Old City Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Loring Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 14, 2023
2. Napoleon and Joseph Marker
Photographed by Detroit Publishing Company, circa 1910
3. Joseph and Napoleon, Mission Inn, Riverside, California
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 615 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on October 4, 2023. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
