Burbank in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Compass Tree Park
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 2023
1. Compass Tree Park Marker
Inscription.
Compass Tree Park. . In 1817, Spanish Padres planted four golden sycamore trees at a nearby location to mark the halfway point between the Los Angeles and San Fernando missions. It was customary for travelers to rely on natural features to reach their destinations so the trees were planted to mark each of the four compass points. The trees grew to over 100 feet tall and provided shade and respite to weary travelers along the Los Angeles River. In later years a cement platform was constructed around the trees for dances and gatherings of the early valley settlers. The original trees were removed in the 1940s and Compass Tree Park has been designed to commemorate and serve as a reminder of our early Spanish heritage.
In 1817, Spanish Padres planted four golden
sycamore trees at a nearby location to mark
the halfway point between the Los Angeles and
San Fernando missions. It was customary for
travelers to rely on natural features to reach their
destinations so the trees were planted to
mark each of the four compass points. The trees grew
to over 100 feet tall and provided shade and respite
to weary travelers along the Los Angeles River. In
later years a cement platform was constructed around
the trees for dances and gatherings of the early valley
settlers. The original trees were removed in the
1940s and Compass Tree Park has been designed to
commemorate and serve as a reminder of our early
Spanish heritage.
Location. 34° 10.296′ N, 118° 18.55′ W. Marker is in Burbank, California, in Los Angeles County. It is at the intersection of Lake Street and Providencia Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Lake Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 621 S Lake St, Burbank CA 91502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s The Valley the San Fernando Valley, in Greater Los Angeles, and in the 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
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 387 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
