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History of Corona, California, USA
Journey back in time to Corona, California, USA
Explore Corona, California, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Corona Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Corona, Riverside, CA
Corona, originally named South Riverside, was founded at the height of the Southern California citrus boom in 1886, and is advantageously situated at the upper end of the Santa Ana River Canyon, a significant pass through the Santa Ana Mountains. The town of Corona was once the "Lemon Capital of the World." A museum there presents the lemon's former role in the local economy. The city derived its name (and its nickname, The Circle City) from the curious layout of its streets, with a standard grid enclosed by the circular Grand Boulevard, 2.75 miles (4.43 kilometers) in circumference. The street layout was designed by Hiram Clay Kellogg, a civil engineer from Anaheim who was an influential figure in the early development of Orange County.
Corona was established as a town by the South Riverside Land and Water Company. The company was incorporated in 1886; founding members included ex-Governor of Iowa, Samuel Merrill, R.B. Taylor, George L. Joy, A.S. Garretson, and Adolph Rimpau...
Originally located in San Bernardino County, the city was named South Riverside and received its post office in that name on August 11, 1887. In 1893, South Riverside became part of the new Riverside County. In 1896, the city was renamed Corona for its circular Grand Boulevard, where three international automobile races were held in 1913, 1914 and 1916...
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Explore even more about Corona, California, USA. Keep reading!
Corona Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to CORONA

CALIFORNIA Dreamin' Ancestry Coffee Mug - Genealogy
Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.

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Discover Corona: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1886 - Established
Originally inhabited by Luiseno Indians, Corona became part of the Rancho La Sierra land grant. It was laid out as South Riverside when Queen Colony, a citrus growers organization, was established (1886).
www.britannica.com
Originally inhabited by Luiseno Indians, Corona became part of the Rancho La Sierra land grant. It was laid out as South Riverside when Queen Colony, a citrus growers organization, was established (1886).
www.britannica.com
1901 - Frightful Fate is Caused by Ignited Oil
Mother and Babe Die From Attempt to Light Fire With Kerosene - Grief Unbalances Survivor's Mind.
Corona, Cal., Oct. 23. - As the result of the old experiment of pouring coal oil into a cookstove to revive a fire caused the horrible death of Mrs. Frederick Noble and her two-year-old daughter here, last night.
Shortly before 6 o'clock Mrs. Noble, who wished to prepare the evening meal, attempted to restore a fire that had burned in the stove by pouring oil upon the embers.
An explosion followed and the burning oil was cast in a shower upon her and her little daughter, who was playing on the floor near the stove.
Before others of the household could extinguish the flames the two were frightfully burned.
The babe lingered scarcely more than an hour and the mother passed away at 9.20 o'clock.
Both suffered torture before death relieved them.
As a result of the tragedy Mr. Noble, the husband and father, may lose his reason.
Grief appears to have temporarily... Read MORE...
Mother and Babe Die From Attempt to Light Fire With Kerosene - Grief Unbalances Survivor's Mind.
Corona, Cal., Oct. 23. - As the result of the old experiment of pouring coal oil into a cookstove to revive a fire caused the horrible death of Mrs. Frederick Noble and her two-year-old daughter here, last night.
Shortly before 6 o'clock Mrs. Noble, who wished to prepare the evening meal, attempted to restore a fire that had burned in the stove by pouring oil upon the embers.
An explosion followed and the burning oil was cast in a shower upon her and her little daughter, who was playing on the floor near the stove.
Before others of the household could extinguish the flames the two were frightfully burned.
The babe lingered scarcely more than an hour and the mother passed away at 9.20 o'clock.
Both suffered torture before death relieved them.
As a result of the tragedy Mr. Noble, the husband and father, may lose his reason.
Grief appears to have temporarily... Read MORE...
1912 - Corona
By William Corkhill
But a few years ago, comparatively speaking, California was a mysterious stretch of country in the far, far west - the population Mexicans and adventurous white men the Mexicans living their usual life of ease, the white men seeking gold - hardy, determined men, who faced all kinds of danger in search of the yellow metal. They could not see any possibilities in the arid wastes in which they dug, only that it might yield the valuable metal. This was mostly in the northern part of the state, and those who had to travel in the southern part could only see dry and drear wastes of mesa, with here and there an oasis. Charles A. Dana, in his "Two Years Before the Mast," remarking on this part of the state, said: "Many times I took rides horseback into the interior, where there were great reaches of level country, that no doubt would be valuable for grazing." Little did Mr. Dana think, when he rode over those reaches of mesas, that the time would soon come when they... Read MORE...
By William Corkhill
But a few years ago, comparatively speaking, California was a mysterious stretch of country in the far, far west - the population Mexicans and adventurous white men the Mexicans living their usual life of ease, the white men seeking gold - hardy, determined men, who faced all kinds of danger in search of the yellow metal. They could not see any possibilities in the arid wastes in which they dug, only that it might yield the valuable metal. This was mostly in the northern part of the state, and those who had to travel in the southern part could only see dry and drear wastes of mesa, with here and there an oasis. Charles A. Dana, in his "Two Years Before the Mast," remarking on this part of the state, said: "Many times I took rides horseback into the interior, where there were great reaches of level country, that no doubt would be valuable for grazing." Little did Mr. Dana think, when he rode over those reaches of mesas, that the time would soon come when they... Read MORE...
1913 - 1916 - International Auto Races
Corona was the site of international automobile races from 1913 to 1916.
www.britannica.com
Corona was the site of international automobile races from 1913 to 1916.
www.britannica.com
1915 - Corona was the site of the first lemon-processing plant in the United States
www.britannica.com
www.britannica.com
1916
Corona, a banking city of Riverside co., Cal., in a grain and fruit region, on the Southern California R., 15 miles SW. of Riverside. Pop. in 1900, 1434.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Corona, a banking city of Riverside co., Cal., in a grain and fruit region, on the Southern California R., 15 miles SW. of Riverside. Pop. in 1900, 1434.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1916 - Corona
Corona, a banking city of Riverside co., Cal., in a grain and fruit region, on the Southern California R., 15 miles SW. of Riverside. Pop. in 1900, 1434.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Corona, a banking city of Riverside co., Cal., in a grain and fruit region, on the Southern California R., 15 miles SW. of Riverside. Pop. in 1900, 1434.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1916 - April 8 - In Corona, California, racecar driver Bob Burman crashes, killing three and badly injuring five spectators
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1957 - Train Wrecks Plane
CORONA, Calif. (AP) — Gene Maxwell’s light plane is a wreck. It seems that a train hit it.
Maxwell, 31, was practicing landings when he lost power, brushed some trees and made a near-perfect forced landing—except for one detail. He landed on the Santa Fe right-of-way.
While he was checking his plane and his only injury, a scratched arm, he heard a train whistle. He and several bystanders were still trying to drag the two-seater off the tracks when a freight train, bound for Santa Ana, Calif., reached the scene.
The Milwaukee Sentinel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 24, 1957
CORONA, Calif. (AP) — Gene Maxwell’s light plane is a wreck. It seems that a train hit it.
Maxwell, 31, was practicing landings when he lost power, brushed some trees and made a near-perfect forced landing—except for one detail. He landed on the Santa Fe right-of-way.
While he was checking his plane and his only injury, a scratched arm, he heard a train whistle. He and several bystanders were still trying to drag the two-seater off the tracks when a freight train, bound for Santa Ana, Calif., reached the scene.
The Milwaukee Sentinel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 24, 1957
Corona, California has a lot to offer in terms of places to go and things to do. Here's a list to get you started:
Tom's Farms:
A family-friendly destination with a farmer's market, country-style shopping, and various eateries. It's a great place for a relaxed day out.
Dos Lagos Golf Course:
If you're into golf, Dos Lagos offers a beautiful course. It's not only challenging for seasoned players but also welcoming for beginners.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park:
Perfect for an active day out, Sky Zone offers trampolines, foam pits, and various activities for all ages. It's a great spot for families or groups of friends.
Corona Heritage Park and Museum:
Learn about the local history at this museum. The park also has picnic areas, making it a nice spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Fender Museum of Music and the Arts:
Music enthusiasts will enjoy this museum, which celebrates the history of the iconic Fender guitar. It often hosts live music events.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs:
If you're in need of relaxation, Glen Ivy is a short drive away. It offers hot springs, spa treatments, and a ... Read MORE...
Tom's Farms:
A family-friendly destination with a farmer's market, country-style shopping, and various eateries. It's a great place for a relaxed day out.
Dos Lagos Golf Course:
If you're into golf, Dos Lagos offers a beautiful course. It's not only challenging for seasoned players but also welcoming for beginners.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park:
Perfect for an active day out, Sky Zone offers trampolines, foam pits, and various activities for all ages. It's a great spot for families or groups of friends.
Corona Heritage Park and Museum:
Learn about the local history at this museum. The park also has picnic areas, making it a nice spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Fender Museum of Music and the Arts:
Music enthusiasts will enjoy this museum, which celebrates the history of the iconic Fender guitar. It often hosts live music events.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs:
If you're in need of relaxation, Glen Ivy is a short drive away. It offers hot springs, spa treatments, and a ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Corona Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Corona, California, USA
We currently have information about 2 ancestors who were born or died in Corona.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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