Pacoima in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Griffith Ranch
Originally part of the San Fernando Mission lands, this ranch was purchased by David Wark Griffith, revered pioneer of silent motion pictures, in 1912. It provided the locale for many western thrillers, including "Custer's Last Stand", and was the inspiration for the immortal production, "Birth of a Nation." It was acquired by Fritz B. Burns in 1948, who has perpetuated the Griffith name in memory of the great film pioneer.
Erected 1959 by California State Park Commission; Mr. Fritz B. Burns; the History and Landmarks Association of the San Fernando and Antelope Valley Parlors, Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West; and the San Fernando Mission Parlor No. 280, Native Daughters of the Golden West. (Marker Number 716.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists.
Location. 34° 17.401′ N, 118° 24.677′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Pacoima. Marker is at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Vaughn Street, on the right when traveling west on Foothill Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sylmar CA 91342, 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. PFC David M. Gonzales (approx. 1.4 miles away); Consider: Seven Generations (approx. 1½ miles away); Cesar Chávez (approx. 1.6 miles away); Loop Fire (approx. 1.9 miles away); Rogerio Rocha (approx. 1.9 miles away); Casa de Lopez (approx. 1.9 miles away); Father Junipero Serra (approx. 1.9 miles away); Dexter Park (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Regarding The Griffith Ranch.
“Custer’s Last Stand” was filmed at Iverson Ranch, not Griffith Ranch, and there is no reason to believe this location inspired “Birth of a Nation”.
Movies filmed here include The Female of the Species (1912), The Massacre (1912), and The Battle at Elderbush Gulch (1913).
During World War II this was a Prisoner Of War camp for captured German soldiers.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,664 times since then and 77 times this year. Last updated on September 3, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on January 20, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on September 3, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.