Katuktu Chapter, NSDAR

Tustin, California

Welcome

Welcome to the Katuktu Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, where we strive to support patriotism, historic preservation, and education in the communities we serve: Tustin, Orange, Santa Ana, and Villa Park.

We are a vibrant group of women, ranging in age from 18 to 90-something, who meet for luncheon and interesting programs on the second Saturday of the month during the ‘school year’ (September through May), as well as for many other activities and service projects throughout the year.

About Our Name

Katuktu, or Red Hill, small but prominent, has been a part of our local history for many, many years. Native Americans used it as a guide in their travels and often camped at its foot. They believed that their ancestors, the very first people, had been camping on Katuktu when a great flood submerged the world. Because the campsite was elevated, the people were saved from destruction, and Katuktu became an almost sacred spot for these early people of California.

Around 1825, in California’s Spanish and Mexican period, maps show a small hill on the Camino Viejo running along the foothills of the Santa Ana mountains. The hill was called “Sierra de las Ranas” at that time and served as a landmark for travelers going up and down the coast of California. During this period, the hill determined the eastern boundary of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana and the northern corner of Rancho San Joaquin.

The Native Americans believed that the campfires of their forefathers had burned the rocks until they became a coppery color; scientifically, the color of the rocks is due to cinnabar, a form of mercury sulfide. The color is so striking it caused early settlers from New England, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, who came to the area at the end of the Spanish period, to call it “Red Hill,” as it is known today. The hill stands 347 feet above sea level and is Registered State Landmark #203.

Katuktu Chapter, NSDAR, was organized November 15, 1967, by Mrs. Sydney J. Graham, Organizing Regent, and was confirmed December 7, 1967, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Chapter Officers