ORANGE COUNTY ALMANAC : Not-So-Pretty Name
An abundance of artesian water inspired Fountain Valley’s name. But earlier in its history, the area had a less picturesque name: Gospel Swamp.
A 30,000-acre marsh was created in 1828 when the Santa Ana River changed its course. Squatters who established homes and farms on the fertile land were known for their fervent religious meetings.
Source: “Historic Place Names in Orange County” by Don Meadows
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