Historical Timeline
1876: The Southern Pacific Railroad pushed its tracks through the Mojave Desert, opening up a dry, windswept stretch of land that would soon see settlements grow around it.
1877: Rosamond was born as a railroad town, its name reportedly taken from the daughter of a Southern Pacific executive. It started as a dot on the map — mostly a stop for trains, water, and mail.
1885: A post office opened in Rosamond, giving the little railroad stop a touch of permanence. It meant the town was sticking around.
1890s: Gold was discovered in the hills around Rosamond. Prospectors showed up, and with them came saloons, general stores, and a shot of energy into the town’s economy.
1896: Ezra Hamilton struck it rich when he discovered gold and started mining operations in the area. His success drew others, and the Rosamond mining district sprang to life.
1933: The U.S. military established Muroc Army Air Field about 20 miles northeast of Rosamond. That outpost would later become the famous Edwards Air Force Base, bringing steady work and high-speed jets to the region.
1953: Willow Springs Raceway opened just outside of town, offering a track for racers and gearheads. It became one of the oldest permanent road courses in the U.S. and still hosts races today.
1970s–1980s: Rosamond began to grow as a commuter town. With nearby Palmdale and Lancaster expanding and Edwards AFB continuing operations, Rosamond became a quieter, more affordable place to live.
2000s–Present: Rosamond has kept growing. With around 21,000 residents today, it’s a small but steady community where aerospace, energy, and wide-open desert landscapes are part of everyday life.