Carlson Park in Culver City in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park

First Park in Culver City

Photographed By Michael Kindig, November 26, 2011

1. Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park Marker

Inscription. This land was first traversed by Native Americans, called Tongva, (later known as the Gabrielinos). Under Spanish rule, it was settled as a portion of Rancho La Ballona. After Culver City was incorporated in 1917, the property became a horseracing track (1923-24), and in 1924, a reported 50,000 people attended the opening of "The Speedway," a board racetrack.

This section was designated as "Victory Park," the first park in Culver City in 1927. The name was changed in 1964 by the city council to honor United States medical missionary Dr. Paul Carlson, who was born in Culver City in 1928. Dr. Carlson was killed in 1964 while serving in the Republic of the Congo and he was survived by his wife and two children. In 1993, President William Jefferson Clinton addressed Culver City citizens in this park on health care.

Erected 2010 by Culver City Historical Society. (Marker Number 12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #42 William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 34° 0.831′ N, 118° 23.914′ W. Marker is in Culver City, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Carlson

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Park. Marker is at the intersection of Braddock Drive and Le Bourget Drive, on the right when traveling east on Braddock Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10437 Braddock Drive, Culver City CA 90232, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial Building (VMB) (approx. 0.2 miles away); M-G-M Studio (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Augustine's Church (approx. half a mile away); Culver City (approx. half a mile away); Culver Theater (approx. half a mile away); Civil War Union Camp Latham (approx. 0.6 miles away); Joseph Residence (approx. 0.6 miles away); American Legion Building (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Culver City.

Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, November 26, 2011

2. Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 838 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.