Irvine Ranch Historic Park
James Irvine I originally established the Irvine Ranch in the 1860s. His son, James Irvine II, inherited it in 1892. Orange County Parks adopted a Master Plan to restore the ranch to its period of significance from 1876 to 1947, bringing in other ranch buildings that are being restored as important components of the Irvine Ranch Historical Park. Irvine Ranch was one of California’s largest producers of Valencia oranges, beans and barley. James Irvine II’s ranch house, known as “The Mansion,” burned down in 1965. The Katie Wheeler Library is an exact replica of what was once one of Orange County’s finest residences. Bordering the reconstructed home are many of the original trees, avocado orchards, a swimming pool and pool house. Other buildings in the park include the Cogan House, the Agricultural Headquarters Office Complex, Foreman’s Row, barns and ranch workers’ houses and barracks.
Irvine, Orange County
Images by Andrew Schmidt