Welcome to Anaheim Founders’ Park, a vivid portal to the past nestled in the bustling city of Anaheim, California. This historical landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into the roots of Anaheim’s early days, tracing back to the mid-19th century. Founded in 1857 by fifty German-American families, Anaheim was originally established to cultivate vineyards. These settlers were drawn to the fertile lands of what was then Rancho San Juan Cajón de Santa Ana.
As you wander through Founders’ Park, you’ll encounter two remarkable historic homes that are central to Anaheim’s story. The Mother Colony House, constructed in 1857, is the oldest remaining wood-framed building in Orange County. Built by George Hansen, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Vineyard Society, this house became a symbol of Anaheim’s viticulture era. In 1929, it was dedicated as Orange County’s first historical museum.
Adjacent to the Mother Colony House is the Woelke-Stoffel House, a splendid Queen Anne-style home built in 1894 during Anaheim’s citrus boom. This home stands as a testament to the city’s transition from vineyards to citrus groves after the grape blight of the 1880s.
Stroll through the park and you’ll find yourself under the expansive shade of the Moreton Bay Fig tree, a majestic landmark imported from Australia and planted by the Horstmann family before 1876. This tree was not only designated as Anaheim’s first Landmark Tree but also served as the model for Disneyland’s Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.
The park’s evolution reflects Anaheim’s broader historical context, from its agricultural beginnings to its development into a bustling urban center. Today, Founders’ Park serves as a charming reminder of the city’s pioneering spirit, offering visitors a hands-on experience with its vegetable garden, working water pump, and historical structures.
As you explore, imagine the stories of the German settlers, the struggles and triumphs of early agricultural life, and the transformation of Anaheim over the years. Founders’ Park is not just a place; it’s a narrative of resilience, innovation, and community.
