Rubidoux in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Rubidoux Grist Mill Site

Robidoux Grist Mill Site Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 23, 2010

1. Robidoux Grist Mill Site Marker

Inscription. In 1846 the first grist mill in this region was built nearby by Louis Rubidoux, owner of this section of Rancho Jurupa. The mill provided flour, a popular but scarce commodity, for settlers and American troops. The mill was washed away by a flood in 1862.

Erected 1986 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, E Clampus Vitus and West Riverside County Businessmen's Assoc. (Marker Number 303.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 33° 59.715′ N, 117° 24.395′ W. Marker is in Rubidoux, California, in Riverside County. Marker is at the intersection of Molino Way and Fort Drive, on the right when traveling east on Molino Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5540 Molino Way, Riverside CA 92509, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Jensen-Alvarado Ranch (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lt Col Shunzo Kido (approx. 1.1 miles away); Mount Rubidoux (approx. 1.3 miles away); Civilian War Workers Memorial

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(approx. 1½ miles away); Fox Theater (approx. 2 miles away); Loring Building (approx. 2.1 miles away); Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas (approx. 2.1 miles away); Riverside Military Wall of Honor (approx. 2.1 miles away).

Regarding Rubidoux Grist Mill Site. This site has been designated California Historical Landmark No. 303 and Riverside County Historic Landmark No. 51. And 500 feet to the north, at 5575 Mission Blvd, a shopping center is the site of California Historical Landmark No. 102 - Site of Louis Rubidoux House - “In 1844 Louis Rubidoux arrived in California with his family and, shortly thereafter, purchased the Jurupa Rancho. He became one of the most prosperous stock raisers in Southern California, and also planted orchards and vineyards, raised grain, built the first grist mill in the area, and operated a winery.”

Additional commentary.
1. Louis Rubidoux
Louis Rubidoux had been a mountain man in the southwest before coming to California. He became one of the most prominent cattle ranchers in southern California as well as a local judge and Supervisor. Pieces claimed to be from the grist mill are built into the rock

Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 23, 2010

2. Robidoux Grist Mill Site Marker

monument that holds the bronze plaque. Fort Drive is named for a small military post temporarily located here from 1852-1854.
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway

— Submitted December 30, 2011.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 29, 2015

3. Robidoux Grist Mill Site Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,168 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on September 7, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3. submitted on April 4, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.