Riverside (U.S.)

The city, located about 100 km southeast of Los Angeles, was founded in 1870 by John North, a friend of Abraham Lincoln, on the site of a former Spanish ranch. Just one year later, the first orange trees were planted here, laying the foundation for the city’s rapid growth; today, it has a population of 300,000. Before long, Riverside was able to afford the first polo field and the first golf course in Southern California.

The citrus groves—especially the Navel orange, introduced from Brazil—sparked a veritable gold rush, commemorated at Citrus State Historic Park. As early as 1895, thanks to modern cooling systems for the fruit and sophisticated irrigation for the trees, the residents of Riverside had the highest per capita income in the United States.

As the city flourished, the Mission Inn—a unique hotel in the eclectic style—became a magnet for presidents, royalty, and movie stars from nearby Hollywood. The mild weather, the nearby mountains, and the hospitality of Riverside’s residents made the city a popular destination, especially for visitors from the eastern United States.

Riverside has succeeded in preserving its historic buildings as a cohesive ensemble; there is even an entire street lined with architecturally charming residential buildings from the 1920s. More than a hundred buildings are listed as historic landmarks. And everything in the city center is within easy walking distance. But the countryside around Riverside also invites you to linger: hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and even skiing in the winter—all are possible in the surrounding area.

The Fox Theater, where the film *Gone with the Wind* premiered, now hosts musicals, and the museums and galleries in the city center are a testament to a rich cultural life. Riverside’s unique character is shaped by the many cultures that come together here, ranging from Indigenous tribes to Mexicans, Indians, Chinese, and Koreans. A city of many languages, cosmopolitan and with partners in Asia, Africa, and Latin America—and soon, it seems, with Erlangen in Europe as well.

Ideas for establishing a sister city partnership with Riverside are very welcome!