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

Mother Colony House

Photographed by Michael Kindig, January 25, 2012

1. Mother Colony House Marker

Inscription. First house built in Anaheim, 1857, by George Hanson, founder "The Mother Colony", group selecting name given settlement. This German group left San Francisco to form grape growing colony. Southern California Vineyards became largest in California until destroyed, 1885, by grape disease. Colony started producing Valencia oranges. Here once resided Madame Helena Modjeska, and Henry Sienkiewicz, author of "Quo Vadis".

Erected 1950 by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with Grace Parlor No. 242, N.D.G.W., Mother Colony Parlor No. 281, N.S.G.W. (Marker Number 201.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 33° 50.172′ N, 117° 55.692′ W. Marker is in Anaheim, California, in Orange County. It is on West Street near Sycamore Street, on the right when traveling north. The Colony House and marker are located at Founders Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 414 N West St, Anaheim CA 92801, 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.

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

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: A different marker also named Mother Colony House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Mother Colony House (a few steps from this marker); Architectural Sampler (a few steps from this marker); A Utopian Dream (within shouting distance of this marker); Outdoor Living (within shouting distance of this marker); Wind and Water / Anaheim Agriculture (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of San Pedro Gate (approx. ¼ mile away); The Beck House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anaheim.

More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark No. 201.

Mother Colony House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 2, 2001

2. Mother Colony House

The marker is to the right of the door.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 4, 2014

3. Mother Colony House

Anaheim Public Library

4. Mother Colony House

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,922 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 10, 2022. 2. submitted on December 2, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3. submitted on February 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on December 7, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.