The Rise and Fall of California’s Citrus Empire/ Hiking a Historic Orchard

Step inside California Citrus State Historic Park and uncover the real story behind California’s citrus empire—how oranges reshaped the state’s economy, landscape, and identity. This video traces the rise of citrus from experimental groves to a global industry creating the California dream and image before Hollywood. More than nostalgia, this is an honest look at how agriculture, power, and progress collided—and why citrus still hangs on as a factor in understanding Southern California today.