Lankershim Monument

Sitting auspiciously among the Hollywood Hills sits a landmark to one of the San Fernando Valley’s most important founders, James B. Lankershim.

After inheriting 60,000 acres from his father, JB eventually sold a large portion of this land while developing the Southeastern corner of the Valley, such as Studio City, North Hollywood and Universal City.

He was also involved with many prominent buildings downtown that are unfortunately no longer with us.

The monument is something you know have to hunt out, rather than come across. Here’s a little photo essay with some notes about getting to the site.

Lankershim Monument

Lankershim’s monument sits among a set of stylish mid-century homes just off of Mulholland. The story goes that he left acres of land around Nichols Canyon for the Boy Scouts of America and when he died, he wanted his ashes along with a monument left on the land. While the Boy Scouts built the monument in the 1940s, they sold off most of the land the next decade, except that one strip with the monument.

Entrance into Park

Up from the Steps

Almost there.

Now, the monument sits in an unmaintained plot of land at the end of a cul de sac. While the land is gated, it is still open for all to roam. You’ll find a few dog walkers taking a moment of peace up there. A hidden gem that time forgot.

Lankershim Plaque