History of New California

George B. Katzenstein, born on November 28, 1848, in New Orleans, Louisiana, significantly contributed to California’s business and agricultural development. His family relocated to California in 1853, where his father ran a hotel in Marysville. Educated in Marysville, George later moved to Sacramento, working in insurance and fraternal organizations. He co-founded the Orange Vale Colonization Company, promoting fruit cultivation in northern California. Katzenstein also managed the Sacramento and northern California business for the Earl Fruit Company and became a key figure in the California Fruit Distributors. Married to Ida M. Richards in 1869, he was active in various fraternal organizations and the Republican Party.