07/14/2014 to 07/14/2014 –
Old Orange County Courthouse is pleased to present “Orange County Circa 1889,” a collection of historic photographic work taken 125 years ago documenting the founding era of Orange County.
In 1889, Orange County was striving to create an 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, a recent blight in the local vineyards and improving railroad facilities prompted many farmers to turn to citrus. Competition between the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific railroads drove down transportation prices and lured thousands to Orange County in a period of unprecedented population and community growth. When Orange County was born the area was rural and the population was small, but big things were on the horizon.
Read more here: Destination Irvine