The historic El Toro Cemetery began as an enterprise of the El Toro Land and Water Company in 1896.  The company, which was formed to build wells and distribute irrigated water for the community, enticed prospective buyers to purchase stock in the company by selling cemetery plots for one dollar each to every stockholder.

By 1923, the cemetery had fallen into neglect.  A community play, "The Lion and the Mouse," raised funds to clear the weeds away. In 1926, the people of California requested the enactment of legislation to create cemetery districts  throughout the state, and in 1927, El Toro Cemetery was sold to Orange County Cemetery District #1 for $10.00.

The cemetery name was officially changed to the El Toro Memorial Park in 1983.  In 1985, District #1, along with two other cemetery districts, were combined to create the Orange County Cemetery District.

Interred on the grounds are a host of notable personalities who, each in their own way, helped to shape this community and make it what it is today.  If you would like to learn more about this treasure trove of local history, please click the links below to view PDF copies of the El Toro Memorial Park Historic Walk brochure and a map that will help you locate the gravesites for the individuals listed in the brochure.

El Toro Memorial Park is open seven days a week from 8 am to 5 pm, with extended hours in the summer months from 8 am to 7 pm.  If you have additional questions, please contact the District Office at (949) 951-9102.