Laguna Niguel in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Rancho Niguel
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 25, 2024
1. Rancho Niguel Marker
The branding iron depicted in the City Seal was applied to Juan Avila's cattle as early as 1833. The entire seal is surrounded by a braided leather lariat, which together with the Avila Brand, recalls the area's rancho history.
The early 1800s marked the beginning of the rancho era in the area that is now known as Orange County. In 1842, Juan Avila obtained a Mexican land grant for the property officially known as "El Rancho de Los Alisos", or Rancho Niguel. He became the first private landowner in present day Laguna Niguel.
Rancho Niguel encompassed over 13,000 acres of land. Juan Avila traded meat, hide and tallow from the cattle that roamed the rancho hills and valleys. He was one of the first ranchers to drive his cattle to the gold camps during the California Gold Rush. Juan Avila sold Rancho Niguel in several parcels that were later acquired by Lewis Moulton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 33° 31.434′ N, 117° 42.971′ W. Marker is in Laguna Niguel, California, in Orange County. It is on Crown Valley Parkway west of Alicia Parkway, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map
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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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Laguna Niguel Today (here, next to this marker); The City Seal (here, next to this marker); The City Seal: Pre-Historic Past (a few steps from this marker); Sea Country (a few steps from this marker); Native American Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); Dana Point (approx. 2.7 miles away); Indigenous People of San Juan Capistrano (approx. 2.8 miles away); Historic Moss Point (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laguna Niguel.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 25, 2024
2. Rancho Niguel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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