Star Park Formally Dedicated to the Public
The charming star-shaped residential park adjacent to Baum’s cottage is permanently protected.
Listen to the historical narrative via browser voice narration
Archival Chronicle & Historical Significance
Historical Chronicle
Historic architectural lodge bordering Star Park Circle, the iconic five-pointed park platted in 1886 and formally dedicated as public parkland in 1929.
Laid out in the original 1886 master plan as a distinctive five-pointed green surrounded by circular roadways, Star Park was officially deeded to the City of Coronado for perpetual public use in 1929. The charming residential park sits at the geographic confluence of historic tree-lined avenues, surrounded by architectural treasures including the landmark yellow cottage where L. Frank Baum wrote several of his beloved Oz books.
The park features towering historic Torrey pines, shaded park benches, and historic naval cannons that whisper stories of the island's coastal heritage. For decades, Star Park served as a peaceful neighborhood sanctuary where authors, artists, and families gathered to enjoy gentle ocean breezes and watch the afternoon sun sink into the Pacific.
The 1929 public dedication legally protected the five-pointed park against commercial development, preserving its quiet beauty for future generations. Today, Star Park Circle remains one of the most picturesque and architecturally revered residential neighborhoods in Southern California.
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
Glenn Curtiss & Birthplace of Naval Aviation
Aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss executes the first successful seaplane flight in North Island waters, founding naval aviation.
Lt. Theodore G. Ellyson Becomes Naval Aviator No. 1
Trained by Glenn Curtiss at North Island, Lt. Ellyson receives the first naval aviator wings in history.
Commissioning of Naval Air Station North Island
The U.S. Navy officially commissions NAS North Island as America enters World War I.
Primary Archival Sources & Official Portals
Share Chronicle & Academic Citation
Distribute verified Coronado historical records or cite this resource in academic, educational, and journalistic works.