Orange County, California

Portrait of Jose de Gracia Cruz, a San Juan Capistrano Mission Indian bell ringer, ca. June 1909

Mission San Juan Capistrano circa 1921

Los Angeles County Before OC Secession

Old Mission orange crate label

Orange County map 1921

Sylvia Mendez

Orange County, California, often known simply as Orange County, is a region in the Southern California area of the United States. It is renowned for its affluent communities, extensive coastline, and as the home of several major tourist attractions, including Disneyland Resort. Orange County is bordered by Los Angeles County to the north, San Bernardino County to the northeast, Riverside County to the east, and San Diego County to the south, with its western boundary formed by the Pacific Ocean.

History

Orange County was originally inhabited by the Acjachemen and Tongva Native American tribes. It was later claimed by the Spanish Empire and became part of Alta California in the Spanish colony of New Spain. Following the Mexican War of Independence, it became part of Mexico before being transferred to the United States in 1848 after the Mexican-American War. Orange County was officially established on March 11, 1889, from a portion of Los Angeles County.

Geography

Orange County encompasses a total area of 948 square miles, of which 791 square miles is land and 157 square miles is water. The county's geography ranges from flat to hilly, with several coastal cities and significant open spaces in the interior, including parts of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Demographics

As of the latest census, Orange County is one of the most populous counties in California, with a diverse population. It is known for its high standard of living and substantial Asian American and Hispanic communities.

Economy

The economy of Orange County is diverse, with strong sectors in tourism, technology, healthcare, and education. Major employers include Disneyland Resort, the University of California, Irvine, and several Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the area.

Culture

Orange County is a cultural hub in Southern California, known for its arts scene, surf culture, and culinary diversity. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art are key cultural institutions. The county is also famous for its beaches, such as Huntington Beach, known as "Surf City, USA."

Government

The government of Orange County is structured as a charter county of California, with a five-member Board of Supervisors serving as its governing body. The county seat is Santa Ana, which is also one of its largest cities.

Education

Orange County is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of California, Irvine, California State University, Fullerton, and Chapman University. The county also has a well-regarded public school system.

Transportation

Transportation in Orange County includes a mix of freeways, public transit options, and two commercial airports: John Wayne Airport and a smaller airport in Fullerton. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) manages the public transit system, which includes buses and the Metrolink commuter rail.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant part of the economy, with Disneyland Resort in Anaheim being the most visited attraction. Other notable destinations include Knott's Berry Farm, the Irvine Spectrum Center, and the coastal cities of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente.