Eastside in Riverside in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

John W. North Park

1927

— Cultural Heritage Board Landmark —

John W. North Park Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 24, 2026

1. John W. North Park Marker

Inscription. This park marks the 1871-1880 homesite of John Wesleyand Anna L. North. An abolitionist and native of New York, North organized the original Riverside colony after the Civil War, seeing southern California as a land of great opportunity. North inspired a group of easterners and midwesterners in 1870 to form the utopian Southern California Colony Association, purchase a portion of the Rancho Jurupa and begin settlement. Their pioneer house demolished, the Norths homesite became an early city park.

Erected by Cultural Heritage Board, City of Riverside. (Marker Number 27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Riverside Cultural Heritage Board Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 33° 58.781′ N, 117° 22.078′ W. Marker is in Riverside, California, in Riverside County. It is in Eastside. It can be reached from Mission Inn Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located in the center portion of North Park. Touch for map. Marker is

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in this post office area: Riverside CA 92507, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Santa Fe Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sutherland Fruit Co. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Riverside Substation (about 700 feet away); Ward House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Riverside Art Center and Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Christian Church Parsonage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Riverside Municipal Auditorium (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.

Also see . . . Landmarks of the City of Riverside (#27).

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 24, 2026

2. John W. North Park Marker

"the old spaghetti factory" restaurant visible behind the marker.

This park marks the 1871-1880 homesite of John Wesley North, the principal founder of Riverside. The site became a City park in 1927.

(Submitted on June 24, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.