Historical monument placed in Quail Valley community

City of Menifee and Historical Association officials joined Quail Valley residents around the new monument. Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon

City of Menifee officials and longtime residents of the Quail Valley community were present Tuesday night as members of the Menifee Valley Historical Association unveiled a monument honoring the area's history.

The concrete monument, one of 12 placed at historical locations in Menifee, recognizes the history of Quail Valley, dating back to the 1891 purchase of 300 acres as a game preserve. What became a destination for tourists seeking solitude, hunting and recreation included a clubhouse, swimming pool and other amenities starting in the 1920s. Quail Valley remained a private gated resort until the 1970s.

The monument is placed outside the Quail Valley Volunteer Fire Department, which is now longer active but exists as a gathering place for locals. Tuesday night's ceremony preceded the regular meeting of the Quail Valley Community Group, headed by president Janet Anderson.

The ceremony was attended by Menifee Mayor Neil Winter and city manager Armando Villa, plus City Council members Matt Liesemeyer and John Denver. Afterward, Bill Zimmerman and Elinor Martin of the Menifee Valley Historical Association gave a brief presentation about the history of the area.