“Big Red Cars”

Historical marker location:
1250-1270 South Knott Avenue, Anaheim, California
( Marker is on South Knott Avenue, on the right when traveling north.)

of the Pacific Electric Railway

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The first McDonald's restaurant was opened in San Bernardino, California in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald. The fast-food chain went on to become one of the most successful in the world.
Orange County, California has a rich and diverse history dating back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tongva and Acjachemen tribes, who lived off the land and practiced agriculture. Spanish exploration and colonization began in the late 18th century, when California became a Spanish territory. Mission San Juan Capistrano was established in 1776 and became a significant center for agriculture and trade in the region.

During the Mexican period in the early 19th century, the land that now makes up Orange County was granted as ranchos to prominent Mexican families. Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, established in 1810, covered much of present-day northern Orange County and was known for its cattle and agriculture. With the American takeover of California in 1848, the area transformed once again.

The mid-19th century brought significant changes to Orange County, when waves of settlers arrived during the California Gold Rush and following the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Agricultural development boomed, with citrus groves, especially orange orchards, becoming a prominent industry. This led to the area becoming known as Orange County. Irrigation and transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and the Santa Ana River, fueled further growth and expansion.

Orange County experienced tremendous growth throughout the 20th century, fueled by its favorable climate, beautiful beaches, and proximity to Los Angeles. The area saw rapid suburbanization, the creation of new cities, and the development of iconic landmarks such as Disneyland, which opened in 1955. Today, Orange County is a vibrant and diverse region known for its thriving economy, picturesque coastal communities, and world-renowned attractions. It continues to attract residents and tourists seeking the California dream.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Orange County, California.

  • 1889 - Orange County is officially established, separating from Los Angeles County.
  • 1901 - Oil fields are discovered in the northern part of the county, leading to a boom in oil production.
  • 1920s - The county experiences significant growth, with the development of agriculture and the expansion of the citrus industry.
  • 1942 - During World War II, the U.S. military establishes various bases and facilities in Orange County.
  • 1955 - Disneyland, the iconic theme park, opens in Anaheim, becoming a major attraction and driving tourism in the region.
  • 1967 - The city of Irvine is founded and quickly grows into a major planned community.
  • 1970s-1980s - Orange County becomes known as a center for technology and innovation, with the growth of the aerospace, electronics, and computer industries.
  • 1994 - The county faces a financial crisis, becoming the largest municipality in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy.
  • 2007 - The Great Park in Irvine, a redevelopment project on the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, begins development.
  • 2018 - Orange County becomes the third most populous county in California.