Victoria Avenue owes its existence to the vision of Mathew Gage, a jeweler from Ireland, who moved to Riverside in 1881. He developed the Gage Canal which allowed for the planting of the vast, arid lands of, what would come to be known as Arlington Heights. To help promote land sales in Arlington Heights, Gage masterminded a showcase parkway, named for Britain’s Queen Victoria. This dual carriageway road was modeled after Riverside’s landmark Magnolia Avenue. Accordingly, it was designed with a wide median, separate travel lanes for east and westbound traffic, and spacious parkways on both sides.

During the spring of 1892, the grading of Victoria Avenue began, and the first trees were planted. Riverside’s pioneer landscape designer, Franz Hosp, was responsible for the plan, a masterpiece of roadway and landscape design that has been a showcase from its early horse-and-buggy beginnings to today’s automobile age.

Pepper trees from Peru and eucalyptus trees from Australia were planted to give Victoria Avenue a year-round elegance. Shortly after, palm and silk oak trees were added. Riverside history books claim that this was the first use of palms as a street tree. Today, palm trees are the signature skyline silhouette for Southern California. Over time, other plantings have been added to Victoria Avenue, most notably, Ragged Robin roses which line the median from end to end.

When Arlington Heights was developed, it was fairly remote from the center of commerce and the citrus industry in Riverside. Between Arlington Heights and central Riverside was a major gorge named the Tequesquite Arroyo. To assure the success of Arlington Heights, a bridge was built across the arroyo, linking Arlington Heights to Riverside’s packing and shipping center. The first bridge was opened Thanksgiving Day in 1891, with a parade of 180 buggies and carriages and scores of pedestrians. Leading the parade was Gage’s 82 year-old mother in a fancy phaeton coach. This original wooden bridge was replaced by today’s concrete bridge in 1928.

Over the years, Arlington Heights grew into one of the most productive citrus areas in the world. Of the many varieties of citrus grown there, the Navel Orange proved to be the most famous, with exports of this fruit extending to all parts of the world. Colorful citrus crate labels provided visual images of this legendary area and spread the image of Southern California as a paradise of sunshine, prosperity, and beauty.

In June 1902, Victoria Avenue was deeded to the City of Riverside, with the stipulation that the trees were to be maintained and protected. The plantings became the responsibility of the Riverside Park and Recreation Department, and remain so today. In May 1903, Theodore Roosevelt toured the Avenue and planted a palm tree at the head of the Avenue to commemorate his visit and honor the beautiful parkway. This palm still stands in the median at Victoria Avenue and Myrtle Street. A brass plaque identifies the tree and recounts its history.

Over the years, as land usage in Arlington Heights became more residential and groves began to disappear, citizens became concerned about preserving this unique avenue as a showcase historic parkway. Consequently, several actions were taken. On June 11, 1969, Victoria Avenue was declared City of Riverside Cultural Heritage Landmark #8.  Also, about that time, the City adopted the Victoria Avnue Specific Plan. Later Victoria Bridge was designated Landmark #54. In 1990, Victoria Avenue Forever was formed to create a medium through which citizens could directly participate in the protection, maintenance, and preservation of Victoria Avenue. In October 2000, Victoria Avenue was given national historic recognition, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, in 2005 the City adopted a new General Plan with updated policies and plans for preserving Victoria Avenue.

Today, efforts are on-going to help assure the future of Victoria Avenue. Victoria Avenue Forever members monitor the Avenue and work closely with the City of Riverside to address any issues that arise. Victoria Avenue Forever invites you to become a part of Victoria Avenue’s heritage by joining us in our activities and/or supporting us through your contributions.