Gazing up at this towering structure, have you ever wondered about the story behind the Lankershim Memorial Obelisk? This unassuming monument, tucked away in a quiet corner of Los Angeles, holds a fascinating tale of a San Fernando Valley pioneer. The Lankershim Memorial Obelisk marks the final resting place of J.B. Lankershim, a prominent figure in the valley’s early development. His father, Isaac Lankershim, owned a vast 62,000-acre ranch in the valley. J.B. moved there to help manage this expansive property.
In 1887, J.B. Lankershim spearheaded a syndicate that purchased 12,000 acres north of Cahuenga Pass. This land became the foundation for the village of Toluca, later renamed Lankershim, and now known as North Hollywood. The syndicate, under the banner of the Lankershim Ranch Land and Water Co., sold the land to eager farmers. Within two years, they sold 10,000 acres, transforming the valley’s landscape into a thriving agricultural hub. J.B. Lankershim’s legacy extends beyond North Hollywood. He built the Lankershim Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Building. He also served as the first president of the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
In a gesture of generosity, Lankershim donated 20 acres of land to the Boy Scouts of America in 1921. This land became Camp Arthur Letts. The renowned architect Gordon Kaufmann designed the camp’s impressive auditorium and swimming pool. Years later, after ceding control of his company, Lankershim passed away in 1931. His will stipulated that his ashes be scattered over the San Fernando Valley land his family owned. It also directed the construction of an obelisk monument made of stone from the Madera quarries near the family’s Fresno County ranch.
Legal battles ensued over Lankershim’s will, delaying the monument’s construction until 1938. The Lankershim Memorial Obelisk stands as a testament to his vision and contributions. It features three plaques. One details Lankershim’s life. Another commemorates the Battle of Cahuenga. The third marks the spot where the Treaty of Cahuenga was signed. Although the Boy Scouts sold most of Camp Arthur Letts in the 1950s, the land containing the Lankershim Memorial Obelisk remains. In 1978, the city designated it as Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument No. 181. Today, the Lankershim Memorial Obelisk stands as a tribute to a man who shaped the San Fernando Valley.