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

Fullerton College

Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 22, 2008

1. Fullerton College Marker

Inscription. Offering its first courses on September 25, 1913 to 28 students, Fullerton College is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California. All the college classes were held in the Fullerton High School facilities until 1937 when the first building was completed on the campus.

Erected 1976 by Orange County Board of Supervisors and Orange County Historical Commission. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1913.

Location. 33° 52.496′ N, 117° 55.102′ W. Marker is in Fullerton, California, in Orange County. It is on Chapman Avenue west of Lemon Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located on the grounds of Fullerton College. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 321 E Chapman Ave, Fullerton CA 92832, 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.

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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: Fullerton Union High School Auditorium (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dewella Apartments (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fullerton Library (approx. ¼ mile away); El Camino Real (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fullerton Masonic Temple (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fullerton Post Office (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chapman Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Schumacher Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fullerton.

More about this marker. The location of the Fullerton College marker is unknown. Long-time employees of the college and the high school say they never saw it on their campus. A search of each campus in 2023 failed to locate it. The plaque might be in storage somewhere.

Regarding Fullerton College. Preserve Orange County statement of significance:

Built by WPA - 1935 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2023

2. Built by WPA - 1935

Located on building 300 in today’s Fullerton College.

Fullerton College opened in 1913 when neighboring Fullerton Union High School decided to offer postgraduate education services. The current Spanish Colonial campus was completed in 1937, and is the oldest community college in California.
Style: Spanish Colonial Revival.
Property type: Community College.
Year completed: 1937.
Area of significance: Education.
Listed: County Plaque.

Fullerton College Building 300 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 9, 2023

3. Fullerton College Building 300

Fullerton College image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 22, 2008

4. Fullerton College

Fullerton Union High School - 1934 image. Click for full size.

courtesy Online Archive of California, 1934

5. Fullerton Union High School - 1934

Located across the street from today’s Fullerton College.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,653 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on December 1, 2011. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view photo of the Fullerton College marker, and verification of its location, if it still exists. • Can you help?