L. Frank Baum Arrives in Coronado for First Winter
The creator of The Wizard of Oz discovers Coronado and declares it "The Queen of Fairy Land."
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Archival Chronicle & Historical Significance
Historical Chronicle
Historical portrait of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, who wintered in Coronado from 1904 to 1910 and wrote five Oz sequels.
In early 1904, author Lyman Frank Baum and his wife Maud arrived at Hotel del Coronado seeking refuge from the bitter Chicago winter. Enchanted by the mild Mediterranean climate, swaying palm trees, and the fairytale architecture of Hotel del Coronado, Baum immediately declared the Crown City to be the closest earthly manifestation of fairy land.
Baum rented a sunlit writing suite in the hotel and established a daily creative routine. In the mornings, he sat at his desk drafting beloved childre’ stories; in the afternoons, he walked along Star Park Circle, cultivated sweet peas, and enjoyed lawn bowling. During that inaugural 1904 season, Baum completed The Marvelous Land of Oz, the highly anticipated sequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, dedicating the book to the children of America.
Baum was so deeply inspired by Coronado that he penned a whimsical poem celebrating the island: "To find Fairyland on earth, one must cross the bay to Coronado... where the sunshine never fails and flowers bloom throughout the winter." This first visit sparked a deep, enduring love affair with Coronado that would span fifteen years and inspire six timeless Oz masterworks.
Oz Books Authored in Coronado
Explore and purchase authentic classic editions of the fairy tales and Oz adventures written by L. Frank Baum during his Crown City winter seasons.
The Marvelous Land of Oz
Written during Baum’s inaugural winter season in Coronado (1904). Re-introduced the magical kingdom with Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, and the Wooden Sawhorse.
Queen Zixi of Ix
Penned entirely while staying in Coronado and widely praised by Baum as his personal favorite fairy tale, featuring the Magic Cloak woven by the fairies.
Ozma of Oz
Authored at the sun desk of 1101 Star Park Circle. Reunited Dorothy Gale with Oz and introduced Tik-Tok the Clockwork Man, the Hungry Tiger, and the Nome King.
Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz
Drafted in Coronado following the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake, sending Dorothy and the Wizard through subterranean fairy kingdoms back to the Emerald City.
The Road to Oz
Penned on Star Park Circle as Dorothy, the Shaggy Man, Button-Bright, and Polychrome the Rainbow’s Daughter follow enchanted roads to Princess Ozma’s royal birthday party.
The Emerald City of Oz
Baum’s crowning Coronado creation, mirroring the grand Victorian spires of Hotel del Coronado as Aunt Em and Uncle Henry move permanently into the royal capital.
John Dough and the Cherub
Written in Coronado during the winter of 1905-1906, chronicling the adventures of a gingerbread man brought to life by an elixir and his winged friend Chick the Cherub.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The immortal classic that birthed the Yellow Brick Road and Emerald City, leading Baum to Coronado where he immortalized the town in verse as "The Queen of Fairy Land."
Other Key Milestones in this Era
L. Frank Baum & The Emerald City of Oz Legacy
Author L. Frank Baum winters in Coronado at 1101 Star Park Circle, penning five Oz sequels and designing the Hotel Del Crown Room chandeliers.
Tent City Seaside Resort Opens on Silver Strand
John D. Spreckels creates a whimsical beachfront summer town of canvas tents, palm-thatched cottages, and live concerts.
City of Coronado Officially Incorporates
Residents vote overwhelmingly to incorporate Coronado as an official city in San Diego County.
Primary Archival Sources & Official Portals
Share Chronicle & Academic Citation
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