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

Talbert Drainage District

Photographed by Liam Williams, April 30, 2026

1. Talbert Drainage District Marker

Inscription. Local landowners gave Sam Talbert the job of draining "Gospel Swamp." He built a river levee, and dredged huge ditches on the east side of all major roads that ran south to the ocean.

Erected 1976 by Fountain Valley Historical Society. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 33° 42.11′ N, 117° 57.766′ W. Marker is in Fountain Valley, California, in Orange County. It is at the intersection of Talbert Avenue and Bushard Street, on the right when traveling west on Talbert Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fountain Valley CA 92708, 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: Original Circus Site / First Post Office / Country Stores (within shouting distance of this marker); First City Hall / First School (within shouting distance of this marker); Blacksmith Shops (within shouting distance of this marker); School Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Wardlow Home / Red Car (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "All Saints Anglican Church"

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 500 feet away); Talbert Home (about 500 feet away); Section Houses (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fountain Valley.

Photographed by Greg Ullman, May 22, 2012

2. Talbert Drainage District Marker

Photographed by Greg Ullman, September 12, 2012

3. Talbert Drainage District Marker

Marker is visible mounted on the block wall.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2012, by Greg Ullman of Fountain Valley, California. This page has been viewed 1,007 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. 2, 3. submitted on September 15, 2012, by Greg Ullman of Fountain Valley, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.