Desert Gazette

Timelines

List

Month: May 2025

  • Adelanto, California

    Historical Timeline

    Pre-1915: Long before it was a city, the land around Adelanto was home to the Serrano people. They lived off the Mojave Desert’s natural resources and followed seasonal cycles along the riverbeds and mountains.

    1915: E.H. Richardson, who invented the Hotpoint electric iron, sold his patent and used the money to buy land in the High Desert. His dream was to build a planned community — a place where World War I veterans suffering from lung conditions could live and heal. He laid out one-acre plots with clean air and sunshine in mind.

    1917: The new settlement got a post office and the name “Adelanto,” which means “progress” in Spanish — a fitting name for a community built on new beginnings.

    1920s–1930s: Adelanto became known for its fruit orchards. Apples, pears, and cider were the pride of the town. But the Great Depression hit hard, and many orchards were torn out and replaced with chicken farms.

    1941: The U.S. government built the Victorville Army Air Field nearby, bringing new jobs and growth to the area. Adelanto quickly became part of the surrounding military community.

    1950: The airfield was renamed George Air Force Base in honor of General Harold H. George. It remained an important base for decades, shaping the town’s economy and identity.

    1970: Adelanto officially incorporated as a city on December 22. At the time, it was the smallest city in San Bernardino County.

    1992: The city adopted a charter, giving it more control over its own affairs.

    2015: Facing financial struggles, Adelanto made headlines by becoming one of the first Southern California cities to allow large-scale medical marijuana cultivation. It was a bold move to bring in revenue and jobs.

    Present Day: Adelanto is still growing and evolving. It’s a mix of military roots, farming history, and modern industry — with people from all walks of life calling it home under the big desert sky.

  • Phelan, California

    Historical Timeline

    1851: Mormon pioneers passed through what is now Phelan on their way to settle San Bernardino. They followed a rugged path across the desert, later known as the Mormon Trail.

    Late 1800s: As stagecoaches traveled between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Phelan became a stopping point in the wide-open desert. A few ranches and scattered homes dotted the area, helping travelers refuel and rest.

    1916: A post office was established and officially became “Phelan.” It was named after Senator James D. Phelan and his brother John, who had ties to land in the area.

    2008: Residents voted to form the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District. This allowed locals to manage their water, parks, and street lighting — helping preserve the area’s quiet, rural character.

    Present Day: Phelan is still an unincorporated town, known for big skies, wide spaces, and a slower pace of life. Tucked between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Mojave Desert, it draws folks who appreciate open land and small-town values.

  • Victorville, California

    Historical Timeline

    Pre-1858: Long before the railroad or highways, the Serrano people — especially the Vanyume band — lived along the Mojave River. They followed the seasons, hunted, gathered, and traded with other Native groups across the desert.

    1858: Army veteran Aaron G. Lane set up a way station called Lane’s Crossing along the Mojave River. It became a lifeline for travelers between San Bernardino and Nevada — a place to rest, water livestock, and pick up supplies.

    1860: Early census records show just ten people living along the Mojave River, including Lane and some Mormon families who had settled there.

    1867: A Mormon settler named Lafayette Meacham built a new wagon road across the Mojave, Stoddard Wells Road. It brought more wagon traffic and helped establish Mormon Crossing just upstream.

    1870s: Heber “Pete” Huntington, a nephew of Brigham Young, opened Huntington Station at Mormon Crossing. That helped turn the area into an early transportation hub in the desert.

    1885: The California Southern Railroad pushed through the area and set up a telegraph station called “Victor,” named after railroad official Jacob Nash Victor. This marked the beginning of a permanent settlement.

    1886: A formal town plan for Victor was laid out — about 200 acres mapped with streets and blocks. The town slowly began to take shape.

    1901: To avoid confusion with Victor, Colorado, the town changed its name to “Victorville.” That same year, the post office made it official.

    1917: The Southwestern Portland Cement Company opened a plant in Victorville. It gave the town an industrial boost, and cement became a major part of the local economy for decades.

    1926: Route 66 was established and passed through town along D Street and Seventh Street, attracting travelers, tourists, and roadside businesses.

    1940: Hollywood came to the desert — screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz wrote early drafts of Citizen Kane while staying at the Kemper Campbell Ranch in Victorville.

    1941: The Victorville Army Airfield was built just before the U.S. entered World War II. It trained thousands of pilots and later became George Air Force Base.

    1947: After the war, the base was renamed in honor of Brigadier General Harold Huston George. It remained an active part of the U.S. Air Force for decades.

    1960: Victor Valley College was founded, bringing higher education to the High Desert and helping the region grow.

    1962: Victorville was officially incorporated as a city on September 21. Its population is just over 8,000, and there is still a lot of open space.

    1976: The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum moved from nearby Apple Valley to Victorville, attracting Westerns and cowboy legends fans.

    1992: George Air Force Base was closed during a nationwide military downsizing. Its closure had a big impact, but also freed up space for future development.

    1995: The California Route 66 Museum opened downtown Victorville, preserving the town’s deep connection to the “Mother Road.”

    2003: The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum packed up and moved again to Branson, Missouri.

    2007: Victorville hosted the DARPA Urban Challenge at the former air base — a cutting-edge competition for self-driving vehicles navigating a simulated city.

    Present Day: Victorville has grown into one of the largest cities in the High Desert. It’s a mix of old and new—railroad roots, Route 66 history, a post-war military legacy, and modern-day development all tied into one place.

  • Hesperia, California

    Historical Timeline

    Pre-1800s: Indigenous Serrano people inhabited the Mojave River region, including the Hesperia area.

    1776: Spanish missionary-explorer Father Francisco Garcés travels along the Mojave River near present-day Hesperia.

    1826: Explorer Jedediah Smith follows the Mojave River on his journey west, likely passing through the Hesperia area.

    1848–1850s: During westward expansion, Mormon pioneers traveled through the region on the Mormon Trail.

    1860s–1870s: Ranching and cattle operations began in the High Desert, which was part of old Mexican land grants and early American claims.

    1885: The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway laid tracks through the area; the Hesperia Land and Water Company founded Hesperia.

    1887: Hesperia Hotel opens as a luxury resort for travelers and land buyers. A U.S. Post Office is also established.

    1890s–1920s: Agriculture develops — orchards, vineyards, and farms emerge, though water scarcity limits expansion.

    1950s: Route 66 boosts travel through the High Desert, and land speculation increases.

    1954: Hesperia Civic Club is founded to oversee local development.

    1957: Hesperia County Water District is formed to manage local water needs.

    1988: Hesperia officially incorporates as a city on July 1, with a population of around 13,500.

    1990s–2000s: Rapid population growth and suburban development reshape Hesperia into a commuter hub.

    Present Day: Hesperia continues to grow, with a mix of residential, commercial, and community infrastructure serving the Victor Valley.

  • Oro Grande, California

    Historical Timeline

    Pre-1800s: Long before any prospectors showed up, the Mojave River Valley was home to Native people — mostly Serrano and Vanyume — who used the river as a trade route and a life source, traveling and trading across the desert.

    1852: The earliest known burial took place at what would become the Oro Grande Cemetery, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in San Bernardino County. Some believe it also holds the remains of earlier Native residents.

    1858: Army veteran Aaron G. Lane settled along the Mojave River and opened a ranch and store for travelers. This spot, known as Lane’s Crossing, became one of the first American settlements in the region.

    1865: Lane sold his original ranch and moved farther down the river to establish another at Bryman. Still, the old crossing remained a key stop for migrants, traders, and freighters heading east or west.

    1873: A gold discovery on Silver Mountain drew in prospectors and gave birth to the Silver Mountain Mining District. Miners rushed to the area, and a little desert mining boom began.

    1880: More gold and silver were found nearby, and the Red Mountain District was formed. Around this time, the town of Oro Grande got its start, named after the “big gold” — the Oro Grande Mine.

    1881: A post office was opened under the name Halleck, showing that the settlement had grown enough to need regular mail service.

    1887: Limestone was discovered in the hills near town, and small-scale quarrying began. Two kilns were built to turn limestone into lime, laying the groundwork for the cement industry.

    1907: The Riverside Cement Company opened its plant in Oro Grande, and that changed everything. Cement production became the town’s main industry — and much of it went toward building Route 66.

    1926: Route 66 officially rolled through Oro Grande, following the old National Old Trails Highway. The town saw a new wave of business thanks to passing motorists, truckers, and tourists.

    1927: The post office finally changed its name from Halleck to Oro Grande, matching the town’s identity.

    1958: When Interstate 15 was built, it bypassed Oro Grande. With fewer people passing through, many roadside businesses began to fade.

    2023: San Bernardino County Museum designated the Oro Grande Cemetery as a historic site, recognizing its importance and planning for its preservation.

    Present Day: Oro Grande is still a quiet community along the Mojave River. The old cement plant still runs, and roadside landmarks like Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch keep Route 66 travelers stopping by. The town wears its history proudly — a mix of mining dreams, industrial grit, and desert charm.

    Pre-1800s: Long before any prospectors showed up, the Mojave River Valley was home to Native people — mostly Serrano and Vanyume — who used the river as a trade route and a life source, traveling and trading across the desert.

    1852: The earliest known burial took place at what would become the Oro Grande Cemetery, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in San Bernardino County. Some believe it also holds the remains of earlier Native residents.

    1858: Army veteran Aaron G. Lane settled along the Mojave River and opened a ranch and store for travelers. This spot, known as Lane’s Crossing, became one of the first American settlements in the region.

    1865: Lane sold his original ranch and moved farther down the river to establish another at Bryman. Still, the old crossing remained a key stop for migrants, traders, and freighters heading east or west.

    1873: A gold discovery on Silver Mountain drew in prospectors and gave birth to the Silver Mountain Mining District. Miners rushed to the area, and a little desert mining boom began.

    1880: More gold and silver were found nearby, and the Red Mountain District was formed. Around this time, the town of Oro Grande got its start, named after the “big gold” — the Oro Grande Mine.

    1881: A post office was opened under the name Halleck, showing that the settlement had grown enough to need regular mail service.

    1887: Limestone was discovered in the hills near town, and small-scale quarrying began. Two kilns were built to turn limestone into lime, laying the groundwork for the cement industry.

    1907: The Riverside Cement Company opened its plant in Oro Grande, and that changed everything. Cement production became the town’s main industry — and much of it went toward building Route 66.

    1926: Route 66 officially rolled through Oro Grande, following the old National Old Trails Highway. The town saw a new wave of business thanks to passing motorists, truckers, and tourists.

    1927: The post office finally changed its name from Halleck to Oro Grande, matching the town’s identity.

    1958: When Interstate 15 was built, it bypassed Oro Grande. With fewer people passing through, many roadside businesses began to fade.

    2023: San Bernardino County Museum designated the Oro Grande Cemetery as a historic site, recognizing its importance and planning for its preservation.

    Present Day: Oro Grande is still a quiet community along the Mojave River. The old cement plant still runs, and roadside landmarks like Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch keep Route 66 travelers stopping by. The town wears its history proudly — a mix of mining dreams, industrial grit, and desert charm.

  • Apple Valley, California

    Historical Timeline

    Pre-1776: Long before towns or ranches, the Serrano people lived along the Mojave River, using the land for hunting, gathering, and seasonal migration.

    1776: Spanish missionary Francisco Garcés passed through the area following the river, likely making contact with local Serrano groups.

    1826: Explorer Jedediah Smith made his way through the High Desert on his westward journey, becoming one of the first Americans to cross into California overland.

    1849–1859: Thousands of travelers — trappers, miners, and Mormon settlers — moved along the Mojave River Trail. It became a busy corridor of westward movement.

    1860: Silas Cox built what’s believed to be the first settler’s cabin in what would become Apple Valley.

    1861: A rough wagon road was cut through the valley, helping new settlers move goods and livestock through the region.

    Late 1800s: Ranching took hold. Paiute families moved into the area, and a few hardy settlers ran cattle across the desert range.

    Early 1900s: The name “Apple Valley” started appearing, possibly linked to the Appleton Land Company. Ursula M. Poates is sometimes credited with popularizing it.

    1920s: Apple orchards lined the riverbanks. The valley earned a reputation for producing crisp, sweet apples — for a time, it lived up to its name.

    1926: Nolie and Lela Murray opened Murray’s Dude Ranch — one of the few vacation spots in the West that welcomed Black guests during segregation.

    1930s: The orchards began to fade. The cost of irrigation and the harsh economy of the Great Depression made farming harder to sustain.

    1946: Newton T. Bass and Bernard “Bud” Westlund launched Apple Valley Ranchos, marketing the area as a sunny, relaxed alternative to city life.

    1948: The Apple Valley Inn opened on Thanksgiving Day. A swanky hotel, it was built to impress land buyers and draw in celebrities.

    1949: The first official post office opened, making the name “Apple Valley” permanent.

    1950s: Growth kicked into high gear. Schools, churches, banks, and a golf course popped up. Apple Valley became a small but thriving community.

    1965: Roy Rogers and Dale Evans moved to town. Roy leased the Apple Valley Inn and put his name on it, giving the town a little Hollywood sparkle.

    1967: The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum opened, full of cowboy hats, saddles, and movie memorabilia. Fans flocked to see it.

    1976: The museum moved to nearby Victorville to reach more visitors.

    1988: Apple Valley became an official town on November 14. By then, over 41,000 people called it home.

    2003: The museum packed up again, this time heading to Branson, Missouri, chasing a bigger audience.

    2009: Sadly, the Branson museum closed. But the legacy of Roy and Dale still lives on in Apple Valley.

    Present Day: Apple Valley continues to grow, with new homes and businesses rising up where orchards once stood. But it still holds onto its Western roots, desert charm, and small-town spirit.

  • Lake Thompson

    The Vanished Ice Age Lake Beneath Antelope Valley

    Long before the roar of jet engines echoed from Edwards Air Force Base and the Antelope Valley became known for aerospace and arid winds, it was home to a massive Ice Age lake—Lake Thompson. This now-vanished body of water tells a deep story about climate, earth movements, and the life that once thrived in a very different Mojave.

    A Desert That Was Once a Basin of Water

    Lake Thompson formed during the late Pleistocene epoch, when glaciers covered parts of North America and climates across the West were colder and wetter. The Antelope Valley, surrounded by the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and Tehachapi mountains, collected snowmelt and rainwater in a broad, low-lying depression. Back then, this area was a “closed basin”—a natural bowl with no outlet to the sea. So, as precipitation increased and evaporation stayed low, water began to rise and pool, eventually forming a lake roughly 367 square miles in size.

    At its fullest, Lake Thompson was nearly 230 feet deep and stretched across Rogers Lake, Rosamond Lake, and Buckhorn Lake. These are the dry, cracked lakebeds we see today—remnants of that long-lost water body.

    A Sedimentary Record of Changing Times

    The floor of Lake Thompson became a repository for everything the surrounding land and water brought in: silt, clay, sand, and organic matter. These sediments settled in quiet layers, building up year after year. Over time, these layers became a rich record of the lake’s rise and fall.

    Core samples taken from the basin tell the story. Some show fine clays deposited during long, deep lake periods, while others reveal coarser, sandy material left behind as the lake dried out during warmer interludes. Layers of carbonate crust—deposited when water levels fell and minerals became concentrated—mark periods of evaporation and shrinking shorelines. Organic material embedded in these layers has been radiocarbon dated to track climate shifts over the last 30,000 years.

    Shaped by Faults, Not Just Floods

    The creation of Lake Thompson wasn’t just about water. It was also about land and how it moved. The Antelope Valley sits along major tectonic features: the San Andreas Fault to the south and the Garlock Fault to the north. Movements along these faults shaped the land over millions of years, causing earth blocks to shift and drop, forming depressions that trapped water.

    These tectonic movements, combined with subsidence (the gradual sinking of the Earth’s surface), created the basin where Lake Thompson formed. The region’s geology continues to shift today, though the Big Ice Age lakes era has passed.

    Fossils and Evidence of a Living Landscape

    Lake Thompson didn’t just collect water—it supported life, lots of it. Fossil finds in the lake’s ancient sediments include bones from mammoths, extinct camels, horses, and bison—megafauna that roamed the lake’s edges during the Ice Age. Their presence tells us this was not a lifeless salt flat but a rich, green wetland environment teeming with grasslands and water sources.

    Tiny fossils matter too. Shells from freshwater snails, fish bones, and ostracods (tiny crustaceans) help scientists reconstruct the lake’s ecosystem. These fossils point to freshwater conditions during much of the lake’s life, followed by increasingly salty and alkaline phases as it dried out.

    A Lake Fades Into Memory

    By around 8,000 years ago, Lake Thompson had mostly dried up. The shift into the warmer, drier Holocene epoch reduced rainfall, boosted evaporation, and turned wetlands into playas. What was once a vibrant Ice Age lake became the flat, empty spaces we see today—windblown, sunbaked, and often forgotten.

    Today, the legacy of Lake Thompson is still visible if you know where to look. Rogers and Rosamond dry lakes, now used for aircraft and rocket testing, still bear the perfectly flat imprint of deep water long gone. The ancient shorelines are marked in subtle terraces along the valley’s edges. Sediment layers hold secrets of shifting climates, and buried bones remind us that this was once a much wilder place.

    Conclusion: A Geologic Memory Written in Dry Earth

    Lake Thompson isn’t just a vanished lake. It shows how Earth’s climate, geography, and ecosystems work together. It’s a story about how even a desert was once a haven for giant beasts and flowing water. And though the lake is gone, its imprint—etched into the land and buried in the soil—remains evidence for all who want to read the story of California’s ancient inland sea.