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

Barton Mound

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 218

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 1, 2024

1. Barton Mound Marker

Inscription. In January 1857, a group of outlaws were terrorizing the citizens of San Juan Capistrano committing robbery and murder. Los Angeles County Sheriff James R. Barton formed a posse of five men and rode south. On January 23, 1857, near this mound, a large battle ensued between Barton's posse and the outlaws. During the gunfight Sheriff James R. Barton, Deputy Charles T. Daly, and Constables William H. Little and Charles K. Baker were slain. Multiple posses from Los Angeles eventually tracked down and arrested the outlaws responsible for their murder.

Erected 2024 by Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's - Sheriffs' Relief Association; and The City of Irvine. (Marker Number 218.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 23, 1857.

Location. 33° 38.871′ N, 117° 45.242′ W. Marker is in Irvine, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from Dana west of Gitano. Located next to the bike path north of the residential street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11020 Dana, Irvine CA 92618, 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow

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flies: Lion Country Safari (approx. 0.3 miles away); 1895 Sack Storage Warehouse (approx. 1.9 miles away); Old Town Irvine (approx. 1.9 miles away); Hotel, Store, Hamilton Bungalow (approx. 1.9 miles away); Bulk Storage Silo Warehouse 1949 (approx. 1.9 miles away); The Old Irvine Blacksmith Shop (approx. 2 miles away); The Evolution of the City (approx. 3.3 miles away); An Exciting New Era (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Irvine.

Regarding Barton Mound. In 1857, today’s Orange County was part of Los Angeles County.
At this location, while Los Angeles County Sheriff James Barton and his deputies traveled to San Juan Capistrano to arrest Juan Flores for murder, they were ambushed below this hill. James Barton was the first L.A.County Sheriff killed in the line of duty.
California Historical Landmark Statement of Significance:
No. 218 Barton Mound —
Juan Flores, who had escaped from San Quentin, was being sought by James Barton with a posse of five men. Near this mound, Flores surprised Barton and three of his men, all four were killed. When Los Angeles learned of the slaughter, posses were formed, and Flores and his men were captured.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. — Flores Peak, California Historical

Barton Mound and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 1, 2024

2. Barton Mound and Marker

Landmark No. 225.

Marker Unveiling image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 1, 2024

3. Marker Unveiling

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 1, 2025

4. Barton Mound Marker

Barton Mound image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 14, 2020

5. Barton Mound

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 2,066 times since then and 192 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 1, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on January 11, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5. submitted on April 16, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.