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California Historical Landmarks Historical Markers
Over 1,000 sites officially designated by the State of California.
Note - not all have markers.

By Denise Boose, April 6, 2012
Fages-Zalvidea Trails Marker
GEOGRAPHIC SORT
| | In 1772, Don Pedro Fages, first recorded non-Indian to visit the southern San Joaquin Valley, crossed this spot on his way from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Near this point crossed Father José María de Zalvidea in 1806, while accompanying the Ruiz . . . — — Map (db m54266) HM |
| | Just west of this point was the Southern Pacific terminus for the Twenty-Mule-Team Borax wagons that operated between Death Valley and Mojave from 1884 to 1889. The route ran from the Harmony Borax Mining Company works, later acquired by the Pacific . . . — — Map (db m123891) HM |
| | Discovered by Joseph R. Walker, American trail-blazer who left the San Joaquin Valley through this pass in 1834. This area was traversed by topographer Edward M. Kern, after whom the Kern River was named, while accompanying the Fremont expedition of . . . — — Map (db m159834) HM |
| | In 1896 Eugene Garlock constructed a stamp mill near this spot for the crushing of gold ore from the Yellow Aster Mine on Rand Mountain. Known originally as Cow Wells, by prospectors and freighters during the 1880’s and early 1890’s, the town of . . . — — Map (db m51672) HM |
| | Visited by Padre Garces (1776) while following Old Horse Thief Trace later known as Joe Walker Trail. Fremont stopped here (1844). The famished Jayhawk Party (1850) found water here while struggling from Death Valley to Los Angeles. Still later was . . . — — Map (db m156684) HM |
| | Willow Springs was a stage station on the Los Angeles-Havilah Stage Lines, 1864-1874. From here light traffic went through Oak Creek Pass via Tehachapi to Havilah and Kernville; heavy traffic went northwest to the Inyo mines, or via Jawbone Canyon . . . — — Map (db m156685) HM |
| | The Shafter Cotton Research Station, established here in 1922 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, developed the "Acala" varieties which were exceptionally well suited to the San Joaquin Valley. The quality of the acala cottons and the marketing . . . — — Map (db m52055) HM |
| | This plaque at Shafter Airport commemorates the world's first man-powered flight to complete the Kremer Circuit, August 23, 1977. The circuit, a figure eight around two pylons one-half mile apart, was completed in six minutes, twenty-two seconds. . . . — — Map (db m131044) HM |
| | The old Yokuts village of Tulamniu was named Buena Vista by Spanish Commander Fages in 1772. (One of first place names in south San Joaquin Valley.) Fr. Zalvidea again recorded the site in 1806. This village was occupied for several centuries. . . . — — Map (db m130232) HM |
| | The oldest settlement in Tehachapi Valley, known as 'Old Town,' was established here during the 1860s. It was long an important station on the road between Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. The community began to decline when residents . . . — — Map (db m139964) HM |
| | Father Francisco Garces used the Oak Creek Pass in 1776 to return to the Mojave after exploring the San Joaquin Valley, as did Fremont in 1844-45. Until the building of the railroad through the Tehachapi Pass in 1876, Oak Creek Pass was the only . . . — — Map (db m50250) HM |
| | From this spot may be seen a portion of the world-renowned “Loop.” It was completed in 1876 under the direction of William Hood, Southern Pacific Railroad Engineer. In gaining elevation around central hill of loop a 4000 foot train will . . . — — Map (db m134430) HM |
| | In the Kawaiisu language, tomo-kahni means winter village. The site's location between the coast and desert allowed the site occupants to hold an important place for trade between these areas and the southern Central Valley. The sacred rock art . . . — — Map (db m92889) HM |
| | Three miles north of this point was the site of the first recorded Christian baptism in the San Joaquin Valley. On May 3, 1776, Padre Francisco Garcés, earliest white man in this area, baptized an Indian boy whom he called “Muchachito” . . . — — Map (db m114468) HM |
| | One and one-half miles north of this point stood the Mountain House Station on the route of the Butterfield Stage. Operating through present Kern County during 1858-1861, this famous line ran from St. Louis, Missouri to San Francisco until the . . . — — Map (db m95183) HM |
| | Here on May 11, 1880, during a dispute over land titles between settlers and railroad, a fight broke out during which seven men lost lives -- two deputy U.S. Marshals and five ranchers. Legal struggle over titles finally compromised. — — Map (db m154063) HM |
| | Founded in 1856 by L.A. Whitmore who operated first Kings River ferry crossing. After 1858 town became stopping place for Butterfield stages. Toll bridge superseded ferry in 1873. On December 26, 1873, Tiburcio Vasquez and bandit gang made bold raid . . . — — Map (db m158224) HM |
| | This restored adobe, second oldest in San Joaquin Valley, built by Daniel Rhoades, who came to California in 1846 by overland caravan. Rhoades and his brother, John, among organizers of the first expedition to rescue the Donner party at Donner Lake. . . . — — Map (db m66412) HM |
| | Oldest building in Lake County. Erected of stone in 1853-4 by Robert Sterling, whose wife was first white woman in Coyote Valley. Rebuilt in 1894. Headquarters of the Guenoc Land Grant and the first store in the valley. — — Map (db m16127) HM |
| | Built by Charles Stone and Andy Kelsey on land purchased from Salvador Vallejo. Constructed by forced Indian labor, causing much resentment and culminating in murder by Indians of both Stone and Kelsey in the fall of 1849. Their remains are beneath . . . — — Map (db m121713) HM |
| | Lake County’s century-old classic courthouse, designed by A.P. Pettit in 1871, served as the seat of county government from 1871 until 1968 when it was replaced by the new courthouse. Among the court’s landmark cases were the White Cap murders, a . . . — — Map (db m152479) HM |
| | Built in 1876 at the height of the quicksilver mining boom, the Lower Lake stone jail was a response to rapid town growth and the urgent need for civil order. Stephen Nicolai, one of the first stone masons in Lower Lake, built the jail from local . . . — — Map (db m8509) HM |
| | The Old Bull Trail Road ran from Napa Valley to Middletown. It was built by volunteers in the 1850’s. A number of grades were 35 percent. It was an official road in 1861 and abandoned in 1868. St. Helena Toll Road also ran from same points. Was . . . — — Map (db m11989) HM |
| | One-fourth mile west is the island called Bo-no-po-ti (Old Island), now Bloody Island. It was a place for native gatherings until May 15, 1850. On that date, a regiment of the 1st Dragoons of the U.S. Cavalry, commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Lyon and . . . — — Map (db m1190) HM |
| | Peter Lassen opened the Lassen Emigrant Trail in 1848 when he led a 12-wagon emigrant train from Missouri to California. The route, which passed near this place, was extensively traveled during the years 1848-53 by emigrants seeking gold, adventure, . . . — — Map (db m10264) HM |
| | Built in 1859 during the Piute War — — Map (db m146483) HM |
| | This route was first used in 1852 by emigrants to Northern California seeking to avoid the hardships of the Lassen Trail. It crossed the desert from the Humbolt River in Nevada, passed this point, and proceeded over the mountains to the town of . . . — — Map (db m10269) HM |
| | This meadow, now a city park, was a welcome stopping place on the Noble Emigrant Trail, pioneered by William H. Nobles in 1851 and first used in 1852. Here, emigrants en route to the Northern California mines were able to rest, refresh their stocks, . . . — — Map (db m10268) HM |
| | In memory of Peter Lassen, the pioneer who was killed by the Indians, April 26, 1859, aged 66 years. — — Map (db m154342) HM |
| | Built in July 1854 by Isaac N. Roop. First called Roop's House, and used as stopping place by emigrant trains. It was the locale of the "sagebrush war" fought in 1863 between Plumas County and Lassen County citizens. — — Map (db m10266) HM |
| | Through this draw passed many covered wagons and gold seekers enroute to California over the Lassen Trail during 1848-1851. Approaching this location from the north, the trail passed what is now Bogard Ranger Station. Proceeding southward to Big . . . — — Map (db m22027) HM |
| | The 135 Deodar Cedar trees were planted in 1885 by the Woodbury Family, the founders of Altadena. First organized by F.C. Nash in 1920, the "Mile of Christmas Trees" has been strung with 10,000 lights each holiday season through the efforts of . . . — — Map (db m143798) HM |
| | Built in 1900 alongside the West Fork of the San Gabriel River and north of Mt. Wilson, the historic cabin was the first ranger station built in California with federal government funds — $75. In the late 1920's, new roads into the mountains . . . — — Map (db m154560) HM |
| | Constructed by Elias Jackson ('Lucky') Baldwin in 1881. Designed by A.A. Bennett, and intended for entertaining. There being no kitchen, meals were served from the nearby adobe (built by Hugo Reid in 1839) where Baldwin actually lived. Restored and . . . — — Map (db m153410) HM |
| | The home place of Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin, founder and first Mayor of the City of Arcadia, was this relatively simple adobe house, though during Baldwin's occupation (1875-1909) it was the larger and more inviting structure seen . . . — — Map (db m153423) HM |
| | Early in 1942 the US government designated Santa Anita Park for special usage during the war years.
Pursuant to Executive Order 9066 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, from March 30, 1942 until October 27, 1942 the facility was used as . . . — — Map (db m128364) HM |
| | The Tuna Club of Avalon marks the birthplace of modern big game sportfishing. In 1898, led by Dr. Charles Frederick Holder, the club's founding members adopted the rules of conduct stressing conservationist ethics and sporting behavior. Today, their . . . — — Map (db m49678) HM |
| | Contained within this building are the remaining portions of an adobe house built by Francisco Salvador Lugo and his son Antonio María Lugo. Francisco Lugo was a prominent early landholder and Antonio served as the Alcalde of Los Angeles. They . . . — — Map (db m125567) HM |
| | The expedition of Don Gaspar de Portolá from Mexico passed this way en route to Monterey to begin the Spanish colonization of California. With Captain Don Fernando Rivera y Moncada, Lieutenant Don Pedro Fages, Sergeant José Francisco Ortega, and . . . — — Map (db m125155) HM |
| | Known as the “Oldest House in Hollywood”, this house was built in the 1870’s by Eugene Raphael Plummer. — — Map (db m126802) HM |
| | On September 5, 1876, Charles Crocker, President of the Southern Pacific Company, drove a gold spike here to complete his company's San Joaquin Valley Line, the first rail connection of Los Angeles with San Francisco and Transcontinental lines. — — Map (db m122365) HM |
| | Home of pioneer William Workman. Workman and co-owner John Rowland developed the 48,790-acre La Puenta Rancho. Workman and co-leader Rowland organized the first wagon train of permanent eastern settlers which arrived in Southern California on . . . — — Map (db m50981) HM |
| | "El Campo Santo," this region's earliest known private family cemetery, was established in 1850 by William Workman. The miniature Classic Grecian mausoleum was built in 1919 by grandson Walter P. Temple. Included in this cemetery are the remains of . . . — — Map (db m50983) HM |
| |
[The arch way leading to the grounds is flanked by two markers:]
Right Marker:
Domínguez Ranch House
Central portion built in 1826 by Manuel Domínguez.
Rancho San Pedro
Ten square leagues granted, provisionally . . . — — Map (db m64857) HM |
| | About one half mile southeast of this spot, on Dominguez Hill in historic Rancho San Pedro, the first Air Meet in the United States was held during January 10-20, 1910. Subsequently, this area has evolved into one of the world's leading . . . — — Map (db m50979) HM |
| | The original house of two rooms was built in 1869 by A.R. Loomis. Other rooms were added by successive occupants. It was marked as the "Oldest House in Compton" in 1955; purchased by the city June 11, 1957; and removed from 209 South Acacia Street . . . — — Map (db m50977) HM |
| | El Monte, on the bank of the San Gabriel River, played a significant part in California's early pioneer history. It was first an encampment on the Old Spanish Trail, an extension of the trail from Missouri to Santa Fe. By the 1850's some began to . . . — — Map (db m155282) HM |
| | This dwelling, built in 1849 by Don Vincente de la Osa, was a favored stopping place for the numerous travelers on El Camino Real. It stands on land that is part of the one-square-league Rancho El Encino granted in 1845 by Governor Pio Pico to three . . . — — Map (db m131161) HM |
| | Built by Tomás and Maria Sanchez, 1865-1871. Restored by the City of Glendale, 1932. California Historical Landmark No. 235. — — Map (db m145352) HM |
| | San Rafael Rancho, first granted to José Maria Verdugo, Oct. 20, 1784.
Catalina Adobe built about 1828.
And, General Andres Pico oak tree camp site, before he surrendered to General John C. Fremont, 1847. — — Map (db m128201) HM WM |
| | Planted in 1901 by the R.W. Hamlins, early citrus growers, the Glendora bougainvillea is the largest growth of this exotic plant in the United States. The parent stock was brought to California by a whaling ship about 1870, and the vines survive as . . . — — Map (db m127847) HM |
| | It was here in the home of parents Murry and Audree that Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson grew to manhood and developed their musical skills. During Labor Day weekend 1961, they, with cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, gathered here to record a . . . — — Map (db m59320) HM |
| | One-half of this structure, then in use as a barn, was rented by Cecil B. DeMille as the studio in which was made the first feature-length motion picture in Hollywood, “The Squaw Man”, in 1913. It
was originally located at the corner of . . . — — Map (db m118836) HM |
| | On this site, bubbling springs once flowed from their source in a deep water basin which has existed continuously since the Pleistocene Era. Prehistoric animals, Indians, and early Inglewood settlers were attracted here by the pure artesian water. . . . — — Map (db m126337) HM |
| | This was the first National Forest in the State of California, second in the United States. Created by proclamation, December 20, 1892, by President Benjamin Harrison. The first name given to the forest was "San Gabriel Timberland Reserve." It was . . . — — Map (db m143501) HM |
| | This house, built in 1868 by Saturnio Carrion, was restored in 1951 by Paul E. Traweek.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 386. — — Map (db m127951) HM |
| | This buiding, erected by the Gilroy family in 1876, this building was purchased in 1902 by George T. Webber, who operated it as the Western Hotel. The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce was organized in its dining room. Between 1905 and 1913, . . . — — Map (db m53028) HM |
| | Created in 1932 for the rowing events of the Xth Olympiad, the Stadium was the first manmade rowing course in the United States. Its width allowed four teams to race abreast, eliminating additional heats and allowing oarsmen to enter the finals at . . . — — Map (db m2614) HM |
| | The 27,000-acre Rancho was once part of an 18th-century Spanish land grant to soldier Manuel Nieto. The Monterey-style adobe was constructed in 1844 and served the Temple and Bixby families as headquarters for large-scale cattle and sheep ranching . . . — — Map (db m50988) HM |
| | This is the oldest existing house in Los Angeles. Built about 1818 by Don Francisco Avila, it was occupied briefly as American headquarters in 1847. Severely damaged in the earthquake of 1971, the house is now restored as an example of California . . . — — Map (db m133592) HM |
| | Near this spot stood the Bella Union Hotel, long a social and political center. Here, on October 7, 1858, the first Butterfield Overland Mail stage from the East arrived 21 days after leaving St. Louis. Warren Hall was the driver, and Waterman . . . — — Map (db m59812) HM |
| | Ennis Brown House - 1924. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. A master work by America’s foremost architect. — — Map (db m148411) HM |
| | The Hebrew Benevolent Society of Los Angeles (1854), first charitable organization in the city, acquired this site from the city council by deed of April 9, 1855. This purchase of a sacred burial ground represented the first organized community . . . — — Map (db m122688) HM |
| | Presented to
The Citizens of Los Angeles County
In December 1916 by
Captain Allan Hancock
With a request that the scientific
features be preserved
First historic reference to the tar pools
Recorded in the diary of . . . — — Map (db m126874) HM |
| | This block is the site of:
First brick school house in Los Angeles known as School No. 1, built 1854-1855;
Butterfield Overland Mail Company office and corral, 1858-1861;
Office of U.S. Quartermaster, 1861;
Corral for camels from Fort Tejon, . . . — — Map (db m123038) HM |
| | Homage to Our Mexican-American Heroes
Veterans of America's Wars.
Covered with glory, their ideals of service provide power to America, for peace and for human dignity. Long live America during this time of such power.
Homenaje a . . . — — Map (db m153408) HM |
| | This stadium was originally completed in 1923. It was partially redesigned and enlarged for the 1932 Olympic Games. Both designs were by architects John & Donald B. Parkinson. The Coliseum has witnessed many important sports, political, and . . . — — Map (db m116751) HM |
| | This site was part of the lands originally granted to El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles in 1781 by the King of Spain, Carlos III, under the Spanish Law of the Indies. The first plaza of the pueblo had been located to the southeast, closer to the . . . — — Map (db m120903) HM |
| | Southern California's first newspaper, The Los Angeles Star, was founded in this block on May 17, 1851 and for many years exerted a major influence upon this part of the state. Suspended temporarily from 1864 to 1868, it continued later as an . . . — — Map (db m125413) HM |
| | Built by Charles F. Lummis, writer, editor, founder Southwest Museum.
Declared Historic Cultural Monument No. 68. — — Map (db m154345) HM |
| | The Merced Theatre was built in 1870 and is one of the oldest structures erected in Los Angeles for the presentation of dramatic performances. It served as the center of theatrical activity in the city from 1871 to 1876. The theatre was built by . . . — — Map (db m120901) HM |
| | Designed as the largest enclosed structure without columns in the world by noted California architects Robert Clements & Associates, this Art Deco building, constructed between 1938 and 1941 by the WPA, is the largest and second-oldest Navy Reserve . . . — — Map (db m147662) HM |
| | This tablet commemorates the
one hundredth anniversary
of the erection of this church
Our Lady Queen of Angeles.
Built in 1814 by the Franciscan
Fathers, restored and enlarged in 1912
Right Reverend Thomas James Conaty
being Bishop of . . . — — Map (db m113805) HM |
| | The Pico House was built by Pio Pico, last Governor of California under Mexican rule, who lived almost the entire length of the nineteenth century from 1801 to 1894. This was the first three story building and the first grand hotel in Los Angeles. . . . — — Map (db m120902) HM |
| | Dedicated to the firemen of the Los Angeles Fire Department - past, present and future - who, since 1871, by their courage and faithful devotion to duty have protected the lives and property of the citizens of Los Angeles from the ravages of fire. — — Map (db m51301) HM |
| | Spanish colonization of California began in 1769 with the expedition of Don Gaspar de Portolá from Mexico. With Captain Don Fernando Rivera y Moncada, Lieutenant Don Pedro Fages, Sgt. José Francisco Ortega, and Fathers Juan Crespí and Francisco . . . — — Map (db m115177) HM |
| | This was the site of Saint Vincent's College from 1868 to 1887. The college, now Loyola University, was founded by the Vincentian Fathers in 1865 and was the first institution of higher learning in Southern California. — — Map (db m121001) HM |
| | Dedicated on September 4, 1880, this original building of the University of Southern California has been continuously in use for educational purposes since its doors were first opened to students on October 6, 1880, by the university's first . . . — — Map (db m126924) HM |
| | The National Society Sons of the American Colonists California State Society Los Angeles, John Borton Chapter Bicentennial marking 1976 Marked this day March 20 1976, as a California Historical Spanish Colonial Landmark “In 1776 Portola . . . — — Map (db m122157) HM |
| | On November 24, 1793, English explorer George Vancouver, commander of an expedition to determine the extent of settlement of the northwest coast of America, named this rocky promontory, Point Dume, after his Franciscan friend, Father Francisco . . . — — Map (db m123039) HM |
| | Designed by Stiles O. Clements in 1929, this Spanish Colonial Revival home contains the best surviving examples of decorative ceramic tile produced by Malibu Potteries. During its short existence from 1926 to 1932, Malibu Potteries made an . . . — — Map (db m118362) HM |
| | Designed by City Engineer A.L. Harris, this pier was constructed by the City of Manhattan beach during the years 1917-1920. The roundhouse building was added a year later. Harris' innovative design featured a rounded end to the pier, which helped it . . . — — Map (db m114457) HM |
| | Spanish-Mexican Period
Declared
Historic Cultural Monument No. 7
by the
Cultural Heritage Board
Municipal Art Department
City Of Los Angeles — — Map (db m126820) HM |
| | Oldest portion built about 1834 by ex-Mission Indians. Enlarged by Eulogio de Celis in 1846. Upper story added by Romulo Pico in 1874. Restored by Mr. & Mrs. M.R. Harrington in 1930. — — Map (db m126815) HM |
| | Founded in 1797 by Father Fermin Francisco Lasuen
We honor those men of faith, courage and vision who guided the founding of the mission and also those who have preserved it for posterity. — — Map (db m130662) HM |
| | A replica of one in Cordoba, Spain; was built around 1812-1814 and was part of the water system in San Fernando Mission garden.
100 years later this garden was the property of Mr. Leslie C. Brand, who donated a part of it to Los Angeles for a . . . — — Map (db m130560) HM |
| | Near this site, on January 3, 1847, was fought the
Battle of the Rio San Gabriel
between American forces commanded by Capt. Robert F. Stockton, U.S. Navy, Commander-in- chief, Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Kearney, U.S. Army, and . . . — — Map (db m51042) HM |
| | This tablet was erected by Walter P. Temple and blessed by Right-Reverend John J. Cantwell, Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles, July 31, 1921, to commemorate the founding of Mission San Gabriel Archangel, on this ground, at Old Mission by Rev. . . . — — Map (db m154575) HM |
| | The first hydroelectric installation in California for long-distance transmission of alternating current at high voltage was built in 1892 on San Antonio Creek below this spot by the San Antonio Light and Power Company organized by Dr. Cyrus . . . — — Map (db m149504) HM |
| | This site was the location of a combination store, post office, telegraph office, tavern, and stage depot accommodating travelers during the Kern River gold rush in the early 1850s. A regular stop for Butterfield and other early California stage . . . — — Map (db m154273) HM |
| | Francisco Lopez made California’s first authenticated gold discovery on March 9, 1842. While gathering wild onions near an oak tree in Placerita Canyon he found gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. The San Fernando placers and nearby . . . — — Map (db m154261) HM |
| | California's first oil refinery operated on a commercial scale, erected 1876. Restored by the Standard Oil Company of California in 1930 as a memorial to D. G. Scofield and his pioneer associates of the California Star Oil Works company, a . . . — — Map (db m138151) HM |
| | In 1893 the Southern Pacific Railroad Company completed its 4,720-foot wharf which served as a deep water port for the Los Angeles area. After San Pedro became Los Angeles' official harbor in 1897, shipping activity at Port Los Angeles declined. . . . — — Map (db m50984) HM |
| | In 1887, the State Board of Forestry established the nation's first experimental forestry station. Located in Rustic Canyon, the station tested exotic trees for planting in California, established plantations for management studies, and produced . . . — — Map (db m119875) HM |
| | The towns of Hynes and Clearwater, later incorporated as Paramount, were the center of the hay and dairy industry in Los Angeles and Orange Counties from the 1920s through the 1960s. Considered the “Milk Shed of Los Angeles”, Paramount . . . — — Map (db m128218) HM |
| | Grace Nicholson, a noted collector and authority on American Indian and Asian Art and artifacts, supervised the design of her combination gallery and museum which was completed in 1929. It has been called an outstanding example of 1920s revival . . . — — Map (db m59818) HM |
| | Considered Elmer Grey's outstanding design, the Pasadena Playhouse, an excellent example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, opened on May 18, 1925. The first in America to stage Shakespeare's 37 plays, the Playhouse has provided the theatre . . . — — Map (db m126948) HM |
| | Built in 1908, the David B. Gamble House is a tribute to the genius of architects Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene. Its design represents a unique California lifestyle and is a masterpiece of American craftsmanship. In 1966 it was made . . . — — Map (db m59811) HM |
| | Completed about 1854 and restored in 1939, this was the family home of Don Ygnacio Palomares, who with Don Ricardo Vejar was granted Rancho San José in 1837 by Governor Juan B. Alvarado. — — Map (db m128910) HM |
| | On this site, September 12, 1888,
was held the first session of Pomona College. — — Map (db m154561) HM |
902 entries matched your criteria. Entries 201 through 300 are listed above. ⊲ Previous 100 — Next 100 ⊳