Loma Linda in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Zanja Fuels the Citrus Explosion
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 18, 2023
1. The Zanja Fuels the Citrus Explosion Marker
Inscription.
The Zanja Fuels the Citrus Explosion. . As California passed into American control, more and more Americans bought land and settled near the Zanja, which continued to provide year-round water for agriculture. Farmers Anson Van Leuven and Horace Monroe Frink planted the first orange trees in 1860, setting the economic course of the valley for the next hundred years. The Zanja provided the ample water needed to grow citrus on this very fertile agricultural land. Early oranges were called "seedlings". They were smaller and sourer than today's Washington Navel oranges and contained many seeds. Grapefruit, lemons, and other citrus were grown, but oranges were the dominant crop. The Mission District was the hub of the valley's citrus industry, with dozens of growers, packing houses, and a train station used to support the orange industry and community. Oranges from the area eventually were known for their sweetness, demanding high prices all around the world.
As California passed into American control, more and more Americans bought land and settled near the Zanja, which
continued to provide year-round water for agriculture. Farmers Anson Van Leuven and Horace Monroe Frink planted
the first orange trees in 1860, setting the economic course of the valley for the next hundred years. The Zanja provided the
ample water needed to grow citrus on this very fertile agricultural land. Early oranges were called "seedlings". They were
smaller and sourer than today's Washington Navel oranges and contained many seeds. Grapefruit, lemons, and other citrus
were grown, but oranges were the dominant crop. The Mission District was the hub of the valley's citrus industry, with dozens
of growers, packing houses, and a train station used to support the orange industry and community. Oranges from the area
eventually were known for their sweetness, demanding high prices all around the world.
Erected by City of Loma Linda.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 34° 3.096′ N, 117° 13.78′ W.
Click or scan to see this page online
Marker is in Loma Linda, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on Mission Road west of Earp Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26358 Mission Rd, Loma Linda CA 92354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Inland Empire, in the Peninsular Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
