The area now known as Orange was originally home to Native Americans referred to as the "Gabrielios" by the Spanish settlers. Early records show Juan Pablo Grijalva, a former Spanish soldier that entered California during his expeditions from Mexico, to be the first formal land owner. This was given from the Spanish Colonial Government in 1801, to cultivate "the place of the Arroyo de Santiago." The territory extended to the Santa Ana River, to the hills above Villa Park, and to the beaches along Newport. Grijalva resided in San Diego, and also resided in an adobe home on today´s Hoyt Hill. Plaques mark this location today at the intersection of Hewes and Santiago Canyon Road. Following the death of Grijalva, the rancho was left to his daughter´s husband, Jose Antonio Yorba, and his grandson, Juan Pablo Peralta. The name was changed to the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. Families of Yorba and Peralta were extensive, with relatives living within miles of the area. Land was acquired until the property extended from today´s Riverside to the Pacific Ocean. In the years to follow, the families were faced with lawsuits due to debt accrued over time. Alfred Beck Chapman and Andrew Glassell were lawyers involved in such cases, and regularly took payment in the form of land. By 1870, Chapman and Glassell owned over 5,000 acres in today´s downtown Orange. The location was excellent for establishing a town, with the Santa Ana River providing water, the rich soil, and a nearby stagecoach route. Chapman tended to refer to himself as the "Father of Orange," even though the city´s development was guided by Capt. William T. Glassell, Andrew Glassell´s brother. He planned the "downtown" area, including Grand, Almond, Maple and Lemon streets. Chapman and Glassell streets meet in the center to form "Public Plaza." Captain Glassell´s home and offices, located on the western side of Plaza Square, were Richland´s first buildings. In 1873, Richland was denied a Post Office, due to a city named Richland already located in Sacramento County. To officially have their city map-recorded, the name had to be changed. Folklore says Mr. Chapman, Mr. Glassell and other prominent men in the city played a poker game, with the winner gaining the rights to rename the city. The winner of this game still remains a mystery. However, the city was officially re-named to Orange in early 1875. Through the years, Orange continued to obtain new land. As of the 1990´s, Orange covered nearly 25 square miles, and the population had grown to 120,000. Orange is now the location of thousands of businesses from Fortune 500 companies, to family-operated stores. Chapman University, Orange County´s oldest university, is located in Orange, along with the quickly developing Santiago Canyon College. The delectable downtown area, with many stores, art galleries and restaurants, attracts visitors from all areas. Orange proclaims itself "a major city with small town ambiance."

Helpful Resources
Orange's Official Website	Orange Public Library
Orange Park Information	Orange City School District
Job Opportunities in Orange	Orange Transportation
Bally Total Fitness	Orange Weather
Cable TV:  Time Warner Communications, 714-898-3800	Telephone service:  Pacific Bell, 800-310-2355
Gas:  The Gas Company, 800-427-2200	Trash collection:  City of Orange, 714-637-3010
Electricity:  Southern California Edison, 800-655-4555	Water:  City of Orange, 714-744-2241