Orange County
California
Introduction
My QTH is in
northwest Orange County, California, location approximately 30 miles
south of downtown Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego. Its central
location makes it an excellent place to base a Southern California visit.
The county spans over 700 square miles of some of the best known and exciting
sights in California.
For your convenience
there are links below to some of these attractions.
The OC area offers a diverse range of terrain from Pacific Ocean beaches to mountain peaks. The county seat is Santa Ana and the largest city is Anaheim, home to Disneyland. There is an extensive system of vehicle freeways, commuter rail options and an international airport (John Wayne). Amusement parks and cultural attractions abound, including a presidential library in Yorba Linda.
Brief Early History
Prior to OC's incorporation and California's admission as a State to the Union, the recorded history of this area began as a New World foothold by the Spaniards with their establishment of the mission system under Roman Catholic Father Junipero Serra. The Mission Trail throughout California was known as El Camino Real, or The Royal Road.
There were several indigenous (Indian) tribes in the area prior to the arrival of the missions. Whether better or worse depending on your point of view, the tribal members' lives became entwined and forever changed with the mission culture established in their homeland areas.
In OC, the Mission San Juan Capistrano was permanently established on November 1, 1776 and is one of the oldest buildings in California. Mission SJC's importance to the history of California and the West cannot be ignored. It is easily visited by either car or rail, with the passenger train station located just one block to the facility.
Anaheim Orange County Visitors Information
Disneyland
Disney's
California Adventure
Downtown
Disney entertainment complex
Knott's
Berry Farm
Anaheim
Angels Baseball team
Mighty
Ducks of Anaheim Hockey team
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace