Unique History
The city of Riverside was founded in 1870 by a group of utopian-minded Easterners searching for the perfect spot to establish a colony dedicated to education, culture and beauty.
Today, with a population of more than 300,000, the City of Riverside is ranked as the 12th largest city in California, the 6th largest city in Southern California, and is considered the Capital of Southern California’s Inland Empire.
Citrus History
In 1873, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forever changed the history of Southern California when it sent three small Brazilian navel orange trees to Riverside resident Eliza Tibbets. Because of Riverside's sunshine and rich soil, the orange trees thrived, and the fruit tasted better too.
The citrus industry then grew rapidly, experiencing “California’s second Gold Rush,” and soon, citrus was king in California, especially in Riverside. By 1882, more than half of the citrus trees in California were located in Riverside. By 1895, Riverside was the wealthiest city per capita in the United States.
Today, you can find this history preserved in the citrus groves and artifacts of the California Citrus State Historic Park, one of Riverside’s most popular attractions and California's only such park dedicated to the citrus industry.
Architecture, Historic Districts, Victorian Mansions and More
Riverside’s history doesn’t stop with the citrus industry. You’ll find over 100 city landmarks, 20 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and two national landmarks throughout the city.
You can view a number of buildings featuring California Mission Revival Style architecture, tour Victorian mansions, explore the downtown Mission Inn Historic District and now, thanks to a recent total renovation, take in a play or concert in the Fox Performing Arts Center. The Fox Theater reopened in January to a standing room only crowd for a concert by Sheryl Crow. It has also hosted several events since then, including performances by Gladys Knight, Pat Benatar, Bill Cosby and Broadway shows like Annie and Legally Blonde, The Musical.
