Overview
Riverside is known as the birthplace of the California navel orange industry. Citrus groves once surrounded the city.
History
In 1873, Eliza Tibbets planted navel orange trees in Riverside that were sent by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Their seedless fruit set off a citrus boom across Southern California. One of the original "parent" navel orange trees still grows in Riverside.
Today
California Citrus State Historic Park preserves working groves and tells the story of the industry.
Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.