[SoCal Pubbie]

My family has lived in Orange County since the 1920's and I myself since 1957. First time I ever heard that story. It does not appear either in the County's historical portion of its website nor the City of Orange, thought the latter does mention the fact that Orange was originally called Richland. Any source for the story beside your own belief? When did this contest take place?

[NathanR]

My grandfather and great-grandfather were very active in Real Estate in Anaheim, during the 1920's and my great-grandfather bought a book on Orange County history at that time. It was mostly histories of wealthy families of the '20s , but it also included a history of the process of how Orange County, separated from Los Angeles County. It tells of the contest between the cites of Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana and how Santa Ana got the county seat, Orange got the name, and Anaheim lost out.