Orange County and First American, Together from the Beginning

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) traces its roots to 1889, when Orange County, California—a rural, undeveloped area at the time—split off from the county of Los Angeles. Two firms opened to handle title matters in the brand-new county. Five years later, C.E. Parker, a local businessman, succeeded in merging the two competitors into a single entity. He was named president of the resulting company—Orange County Title Company—the immediate predecessor to today's First American Title Insurance Company, the largest subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation.

Today, First American provides financial services through its Title Insurance and Services segment and its Specialty Insurance segment. The First American Family of Companies’ core business lines include title insurance and closing/settlement services; property data and automated title plant records and images; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust and investment advisory services.

Photos By City

First American is pleased to offer a sampling of the images from its historical photo archive. Click the links below to browse and download select photos from each city.

Orange County Map

Other Photos of Interest

Our History
of Strength and Innovation

Join us for a look back at key milestones from First American’s 125 years of strength and innovation.
Watch Video

The Kennedys
A Legacy of Leadership

Filmed in 2009, D.P. and Parker Kennedy recall the history of First American and its Orange County roots.
Watch Video

Looking for Specific
Historical Photography?

First American offers a collection of more than 12,500 photos.
Learn More