Santa Ana’s Old Orange County Courthouse is exhibiting “Orange County Circa 1889,” a collection of historic photographs taken 125 years ago documenting the county’s founding era.
The exhibit opens July 14 with a free opening reception planned Thursday, July 17, at 7 p.m. Historian Phil Brigandi will serve as the reception host and deliver a presentation about the creation of Orange County, which was originally part of Los Angeles.
In 1889, rural Orange County was striving to create its own identity during a period of great change. After 20 years of struggle, residents had overwhelmingly voted in favor of separation from Los Angeles County to form California’s 53rd and newest county. In agriculture, blight in the local vineyards and improving railroad facilities prompted many farmers to try a new crop: citrus. Competition between the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific railroads drove down transportation prices and lured thousands to the new county, a period of unprecedented population growth.
RSVP is requested by calling 714-973-6607 or by emailing [email protected].
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