Editing Charter Oak, California (section)

=== Origin of "Charter Oak" name and early settlement ===
Following the Mexican–American War and California's transition to American rule, the area attracted settlers due to its fertile land and water availability. The community of Charter Oak emerged during the 1850s, primarily focusing on agriculture, particularly citrus cultivation. The area was named after a large oak tree which stood prominently and became a local landmark.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2013/07/10/charter-oak-district-in-covina-celebrates-its-125th-anniversary/|title=Charter Oak district in Covina celebrates its 125th anniversary|publisher=San Gabriel Valley Tribune|date=July 10, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref>

There are two versions of how Charter Oak received its name. According to the historically documented account, American soldiers camped in the area during the [[Mexican–American War]] associated the large oak tree with Connecticut's famous [[Charter Oak]], where colonists once hid their charter from English authorities, hence giving the tree its name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2013/07/10/charter-oak-district-in-covina-celebrates-its-125th-anniversary/|title=Charter Oak district in Covina celebrates its 125th anniversary|publisher=San Gabriel Valley Tribune|date=July 10, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref> A local legend provides an extended version of the story involving a [[Californio]] rancher, Don Antonio, who purportedly buried gold beneath the oak tree to hide it from American troops, hiding and watching from the tree above as they passed by. According to the story, he fled after the troops left, leaving his gold behind - an alluring forgotten treasure that later prompted many to dig near the tree. This folklore remains cherished part of the community’s oral tradition.