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Orange, California

Located in Orange County, California, Orange was established in 1869. Orange's Old Towne district has one of the largest antique shopping areas in Southern California. The city has a unique circular town plaza, unlike the typical grid patterns of most California cities.

Founded 1869 | Population 138,681 | Peak 138,681 (2024) | County Orange County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Orange, California

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1869Town Founded: Named for the Valencia oranges that became its primary crop.

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1923Chapman University Founded: Private university established; grows into significant institution.

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1964Old Towne Preservation: Historic plaza and circular town square preserved; becomes NRHP district.

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2015Old Towne Antique District: Historic downtown known for antique shops and dining.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1869 Culture

Town Founded

1923 Culture

Chapman University Founded

1964 Architecture

Old Towne Preservation

2015 Culture

Old Towne Antique District

Did You Know?

Orange's Old Towne district has one of the largest antique shopping areas in Southern California.

The city has a unique circular town plaza, unlike the typical grid patterns of most California cities.

Chapman University in Orange was founded in 1861 by members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Orange is located in Orange County, California.

Orange was founded in 1869.

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