"~ Riverside ~" Top 5 Page for this destination Riverside by Yaqui

Riverside Travel Guide: 67 reviews and 106 photos

Home of March Air Field Museum

After the Spanish left their lands holdings behind. Riverside started as simply community founded on developing education and culture around 1870 by John North. Riverside became very diverse with communities of immigrants that came from such countries as England and Canada that brought with them such traditions as the first golf course and polo field. Oranges trees were established around 1871 by Eliza Tibbets and soon this area grew with the popularity of the new navel orange industry. The Gold Rush was credited in bring many of those seeking gold or just a new place to call home. By 1895, irrigation systems helped Riverside become one of the wealthiest city per capita.

Now the city has over 100 City Landmarks, 20 National Register Sites and 2 National Landmarks that offer enjoyment and education to future generations to enjoy.

March Air Field started as Alessandro Field, probably a local orange growers field. When WWI began, General George O. Squier, the Army's chief signal officer, convinced congress that the need to established an air field was needed right away. Many of the well know locals such as Frank Miller, Mission Inn owner, Hiram Johnson and others convinced the War Department approval to construct an airfield at Alessandro Field since an airstrip was already established by aviators from Rockwell Field on cross-country flights from San Diego. On the 1st of March in 1918, Alessandro Flying Training Field was opened. Sadly the airfield was renamed in honor of
Second Lieutenant Peyton C. March, Jr., son of the Army Chief of Staff, who had been killed when his Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" crashed in Fort Worth, Texas two weeks shy at being commissioned in the regular United States Army Air Service.

Last visit to Riverside: Dec 2009
Intro Updated Jun 28, 2010
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Reviews (10)

War Dog Memorial Inside Things to Do (9)

They have another wonderful display of honoring the War Dog and their handlers located inside of the museum too. Some... more travel advice

War Dog Memorial Inside Things to Do (9)

They have another wonderful display of honoring the War Dog and their handlers located inside of the museum too. Some... more travel advice

Tram Tours Things to Do (9)

For those may want to take a break, they have a wonderful tram tour that only cost $3.00 per person and it takes... more travel advice

Please Do Not Touch Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Just for every ones safety, these are real aircraft and there are many components that can have sharp edges. So watch... more travel advice

Comments (6)

msbrandysue Sep 7, 2010 at 5:13 PM Report Abuse

Awesome page! You make everywhere seem like it should be the next destination :)
nicolaitan Jul 19, 2010 at 5:59 AM Report Abuse

interesting reading, as you become the official spokesperson for californian history.
hopang Jul 15, 2010 at 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Interesting new travel page on Riverside. War Dog Memorial certainly sounds wonderful to visit and explore. Thanks for your virtual tour with great photographs. ~ho & pang
ViajesdelMundo Jul 15, 2010 at 9:11 AM Report Abuse

Been thru the area many times, of course, but never had time to stop; but since Trev was a USMC pilot for 25 yrs, maybe we will one day (soon)! good Tips; interesting page!
starship Jul 1, 2010 at 10:44 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting place to visit. I think the memorial to the "War Dogs" and their handlers is especially moving and I'd really like to see it, but I also like the vintage planes.
micas_pt Jun 29, 2010 at 2:56 PM Report Abuse

I'm the first. :) Nice tips, must be nice to visit all those machines.