Houghton Park

Why did Eliza Donner Houghton’s children donate land for a park in Long Beach? Let’s uncover the story of Houghton Park. Houghton Park isn’t just a place for recreation. It’s a living tribute to a remarkable family. In 1924, Stanley, Dove, and Elizabeth Houghton gifted three acres of their family’s land to Long Beach. This land became Houghton Park, a memorial to their father, Col. Sherman Otis Houghton, and his wife, Eliza Donner Houghton. Eliza, a survivor of the tragic Donner Party, found solace and a new life in California. Her children, honoring her resilience and their father’s legacy, ensured a piece of their family history would forever be etched in the heart of Long Beach. Sherman Otis Houghton wasn’t just any resident. He was Southern California’s first representative in the U.S. Congress, serving from 1871 to 1875. He purchased the 78-acre ranch, which included the present-day Houghton Park, in 1896. The Houghton family lived on this land until Sherman’s death in 1914. The park grew beyond the initial donation. The real estate firm Zimmerman and Dyer contributed an additional acre. The City of Long Beach later purchased almost 25 acres from the Houghton family in 1927. Today, Houghton Park stands at 26.4 acres. Some of Stanley Houghton’s palm trees still grace the park today. The current community recreation center sits on the site of the old Houghton family barn. This center has evolved over the years. It started as a simple clubhouse in the 1930s, with an auditorium and kitchen. It later expanded in 1947 with a canteen building, serving students from nearby Jordan High School. Further expansions in 1973 and 1987 added a neighborhood facilities center and a senior center. Inside Houghton Park, you’ll find baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and even a skate park built in 2004. The park also holds a poignant reminder of the past: the Long Beach Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Dedicated in 2000, it honors 103 local soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. Houghton Park isn’t just a park. It’s a testament to the Houghton family’s generosity and a place where history, recreation, and community intertwine.