Santa Ana in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Orange County Courthouse
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 20, 1999
1. Orange County Courthouse Marker
Built in 1900 of Arizona red sandstone, this is the oldest existing county courthouse in Southern California. Significant and far-reaching court decisions were handed down here, including the "Whipstock" case which dealt with slant oil drilling, interpretation of farm labor law, and the Overell trial resulting in law regulating explosives.
Erected 1970 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Let's Improve Santa Ana (L.I.S.A.). (Marker Number 837.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 33° 45.001′ N, 117° 52.157′ W. Marker is in Santa Ana, California, in Orange County. It is at the intersection of West Santa Ana Boulevard and North Broadway, on the right when traveling west on West Santa Ana Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 211 West Santa Ana Boulevard, Santa Ana CA 92701, United States of America.
this page online
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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: El Camino Real Bell (a few steps from this marker); Orange County's first permanent jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Howe-Waffle House and Carriage House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Masonic Temple (about 400 feet away); Santa Ana's Birthplace (about 500 feet away); Dragon Confectionary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chinatown Memorial 2024 (approx. Ό mile away); Delta III Rocket (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Ana.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Episcopal Church of the Messiah (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 20, 1999
2. Orange County Courthouse
Marker is mounted on a large granite rock to the left of the entrance steps.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 30, 2001
3. Orange County Courthouse Marker
Erected A.D. 1900
F.P Nickey, R.E. Larter, W.G. Potter, D.C. Pixley, J.F. Snover
Board of Supervisors
Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 30, 2001
4. Orange County Courthouse
The Old Orange County Courthouse In Southern California
Hamilton Historical Records website entry
Click for more information.
Hamilton Historical Records website entry
Click for more information.
Photographed by Liam Williams, August 27, 2026
5. Orange County Courthouse cornerstone (plaque removed)
The original cornerstone was once covered by a plaque, which is now missing
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 918 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on December 15, 2011. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 10, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on August 28, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
