Downtown Riverside in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The De Anza Statue and Newman Park
1940
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026
1. De Anza Statue and Newman Park Marker
Spanish explorer Don Juan Bautista de Anza is the first European known to visit the area now known as Riverside. He passed through this region in 1774 and again in 1775-76 while seeking an overland roote from Sonora Mexico to the San Francisco Bay. This statue was sponsored by the federal Works Projects Administration, which funded public improvements in order to create jobs during the Great Depression. Ed J. Loustanuau, a descendant of De Anza's brother, was the model.
Erected 1940 by City of Riverside Cultural Heritage Board. (Marker Number 73.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Hispanic Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, the Riverside Cultural Heritage Board Landmarks, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1774.
Location. 33° 58.579′ N, 117° 22.782′ W. Marker is in Riverside, California, in Riverside County. It is in Downtown Riverside. It is at the intersection of Magnolia
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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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Tetley Buildings (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); J.R. Willis Building (1927) (about 400 feet away); Shiels House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grant Elementary School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hammer-Wallihan House (approx. Ό mile away); John G. Gabbert (approx. Ό mile away); M. H. Simons Undertaking Chapel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Riverside County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.
More about this marker.
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026
2. The De Anza Statue
The marker is in front of the statue.
Regarding The De Anza Statue and Newman Park. Sherry Peticolas sculpted the statue of Spanish explorer Don Juan Bautista de Anza in 1940, using Ed J. Loustanau, a descendent of De Anzas brother as a model. Dorr Bothwell designed the sculpture, which was supported by the Works Projects Administration.
Also see . . .
1. Landmarks of the City of Riverside (#73). (Submitted on June 17, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California.)
2. Riverside Monuments and Memorials.
Don Juan Bautista De Anza, Statue of De Anza w/wall relief depicting his expeditions, located at Newman Park, Magnolia Ave. & 14th St. Designed by Dorr Bothwell, sculpted by Sherry Peticolas in 1940, includes sculpture & wall relief made from stone.(Submitted on June 28, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California.)
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026
3. The De Anza Statue
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026
4. De Anza Mural
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026
5. Newman Park Donation Plaque
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026
6. Newman Park Sign
Riverside Sport Hall of Fame building in background.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. This page has been viewed 20 times since then. Last updated on June 28, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
