THE HISTORY

Established in 1887 along the fringe of the California coastal plain, Fullerton was founded by brothers George and Edward Amerige and named after railroad executive George H. Fullerton, who brought the first rail line through.

The city was incorporated in 1904. It grew steadily through the 1920s, which saw the transformation of the area's green and gold fields of wild mustard into groves of Valencia oranges, walnuts and avocado, along with a smattering of oil rigs.

During its infancy, Fullerton was a typical Western town with roughnecks from the railroad construction camps and frequent gunfights in saloons.

Today, Fullerton is a city of contrasts, having neither succumbed to urbanization nor retained its rural status.

The 1920s heralded an economic boost for the city, sparked in part by booming oil production in the hills on the city's northern edge. Fullerton entered the air age in 1927, when pioneer aviators William and Robert Dowling persuaded the city to establish an airfield on land that previously had been a hog farm and sewer basin.

Fullerton has become an educational center and art community. Art galleries, clothing boutiques, small restaurants and gift shops have replaced the pawn shops and used-furniture stores that once lined the city's thoroughfares.

Historical Sites:

George Crook Clark House (Heritage House) - 800 N. State College Blvd

The house was built in 1894 by Clark, Fullertons' pioneer physician, and originally was located on Lemon Street. Clark paid $1,300 to build the two-story home and office. In 1972 the house was moved to Cal State Fullerton, where it was restored by students.
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Fox Theater

Built in 1925 during the silent film age, the Fox Theatre has always offered a unique entertainment experience - from its courtyard "lobby" to its lavish interior. The Theatre was once home to numerous premieres with stars such as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Buster Keaton.
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