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Historical Timeline

Pre-1776: Willow Springs was a lifeline in the Mojave Desert for centuries. Natural springs made it a vital rest stop for Native peoples, wildlife, and early travelers crossing the dry high desert.

1776: Spanish missionary Francisco Garcés passed through the area and noted the springs in his journals. It was the first known written record of Willow Springs.

1844: Explorer John C. Frémont camped here under the shady willows during one of his expeditions. Back then, this little water source was one of the few dependable spots in the region.

1850: Members of the Jayhawker and Bennett-Arcan parties, who had gotten lost trying to cross Death Valley, stumbled upon Willow Springs. It saved their lives.

1860s: As silver poured out of Cerro Gordo and other desert mines, freight wagons and stagecoaches made Willow Springs a key stop. It was a desert pit stop for the booming mineral trade.

1862: Nelson and Adelia Ward settled near the springs and built an adobe inn, affectionately known as the “Hotel de Rush” because of the nonstop stream of guests needing food, shelter, and water.

1864–1872: The stage lines between Los Angeles and Havilah regularly stopped here. The little station at Willow Springs was part of the high desert’s transportation backbone.

1875: The Riley family was running the station when bandits — remnants of the Tiburcio Vásquez gang — staged a robbery. Crime rode the trails, too.

1900: Ezra “Struck-it-Rich” Hamilton bought the land and springs, hoping to support his mining ventures with the water. He saw more than just dust and rock — he saw a future.

1904: Hamilton poured more than $40,000 into building a resort town. He built 27 stone buildings: a hotel, a school, a swimming pool, and more. For a while, Willow Springs buzzed with promise.

1909–1918: The community had its own post office — a mark of stability and connection to the wider world.

1915: After Hamilton died, interest in the resort faded, and the land changed hands. Without his leadership, the town began to fade.

1952: The Tehachapi earthquake damaged several of the original stone buildings and shook up what was left of the settlement.

1953: Just down the road, Willow Springs International Raceway opened. It became the oldest permanent road racing facility in the U.S. and drew drivers and car lovers from all over.

1962: Bill Huth bought the raceway and turned it into a hotspot for motorsports, hosting countless events over the years.

1996: The raceway was officially recognized as a California Point of Historical Interest — a nod to its unique role in racing history.

2015: Bill Huth passed away, but his family kept the raceway running, honoring his legacy.

2024: The Huth family put Willow Springs Raceway up for sale, possibly closing a major chapter in California motorsports history.

Present Day: The original springs have dried up, but the name and the stories remain. The ruins of Ezra Hamilton’s stone resort still stand, and the engines’ roar echoes from the track nearby. Willow Springs is where desert survival, gold rush dreams, and racing legends all intersect.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: Long before it had a name, the Tehachapi Valley was home to the Kawaiisu people. They called themselves Nuwu, meaning “the people,” and lived off the land, moving with the seasons between the Mojave Desert and the southern Sierra.

1776: Spanish missionary Francisco Garcés crossed the Tehachapi Mountains using Oak Creek Pass, the only known route. He was among the first Europeans to explore the area on foot and horseback.

1854: John Moore and Amanda Brite became the area’s first known permanent settlers. They homesteaded in Brite Valley, built a home, raised livestock, and even opened a lumber business.

1860s: The first organized town in the valley was Williamsburg, or “Tehichipa.” It was four miles west of modern Tehachapi and was a key stop for stagecoaches and travelers between the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles.

1869: Gold prospector and rancher Peter D. Greene was appointed postmaster at the Oak Creek stage stop. The settlement around the post office became known as Tehichipa.

1874–1876: The Southern Pacific Railroad blasted its way through the Tehachapi Mountains and built the now-famous Tehachapi Loop — an engineering marvel that let long trains gain elevation by looping over themselves. This railroad line linked San Francisco and Los Angeles.

1883: Tragedy struck when a runaway train derailed near Tehachapi, killing 15 people, including the wife of former California Governor John G. Downey. It was one of the deadliest accidents of its time.

1909: Tehachapi officially became a city on August 13. It had grown from a quiet stop into a small mountain town with its government.

1940s: During World War II, local farmers in the Tehachapi Valley grew massive amounts of potatoes and other crops to support the war effort, and agriculture was a big part of the town’s survival.

1952: A massive 7.3-magnitude earthquake rocked Kern County and severely damaged Tehachapi. Buildings collapsed, rail lines twisted, and 12 people lost their lives. The town rebuilt, stronger than before.

Late 20th Century: Tehachapi found itself on the cutting edge of renewable energy. The mountain passes around town are filled with wind turbines, making it one of the first places in the country to harness wind power at scale.

2008: The original Tehachapi Railroad Depot — the oldest structure in town — burned down during restoration. Locals were heartbroken, but they weren’t finished.

2010: Tehachapi rebuilt the depot from the original plans and opened it as a museum. It now stands as a tribute to the town’s railroading legacy.

Present Day: Tehachapi is a small mountain town with a big story — part pioneer, part rail town, part renewable energy hub. It’s known for its cool summers, snowy winters, historic downtown, and the hum of windmills spinning on the ridge.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: The lake was a boundary zone for Native peoples including the Tataviam, Kitanemuk, and Serrano. The Tataviam may have called it “Kivarum.” These tribes gathered, hunted, and traded in the surrounding mountains and valleys.

1780: Spanish missionaries arrived, and Junípero Serra gave the lake a spooky name — “La Laguna de Diablo,” or Devil’s Lake — thanks to local stories of a creature said to live in the water.

1830s–1850s: The lake was later renamed “La Laguna de Chico Lopez,” after Francisco “Chico” Lopez, a rancher who ran cattle in the area during California’s rancho era.

1858–1861: Elizabeth Lake became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route — an early stagecoach trail linking the American West. It was a rugged but important link between Los Angeles and points east.

1869: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors created the Elizabeth Lake School District. At the time, it was the only school between Los Angeles and Bakersfield. Samuel and Almeda Frakes donated the land for it — a big contribution in a sparsely settled land.

1907–1911: Work began on the Elizabeth Lake Tunnel, one of the biggest undertakings of the Los Angeles Aqueduct project. Built 285 feet underground, the 5-mile tunnel set records in tunnel construction and helped bring Owens Valley water to a growing Los Angeles.

1924: Judge Hughes renamed a nearby sag pond “Lake Hughes” and turned it into a recreation spot, helping shift the region toward a mix of ranching and tourism.

2010: The Crown Fire swept through, burning over 13,000 acres and destroying homes. It was a painful reminder of how harsh and unforgiving the high desert can be.

2013–2023: The lake completely dried up due to years of drought — a striking symbol of California’s water struggles. Locals watched as a once-reliable water source turned to cracked earth and dry brush.

Present Day: Elizabeth Lake is a quiet, unincorporated community with a mix of longtime ranchers, weekend escapees, and folks drawn to the stillness of the high desert. Ghost stories still swirl about the “Devil’s Lake,” and the aqueduct tunnel runs silently beneath the ground — a reminder of the lake’s deep place in California history.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: The Antelope Valley, where Palmdale sits today, was home to Indigenous peoples for over 11,000 years. It was a crossroads for trade and travel between the coast, the Central Valley, and the deserts beyond.

1772: Spanish explorer Pedro Fages passed through the region, and in 1773, Captain Juan Bautista de Anza and Father Francisco Garcés crossed the desert on their way to Monterey. These early expeditions helped open the California interior to settlers.

1886: A group of Swiss and German immigrants from the Midwest came west and set up a village they named “Palmenthal.” They mistook the spiky Joshua trees for palm trees, hence the name.

1888: A post office opened in Palmenthal, giving the settlement a bit of permanence. But dry farming conditions and drought soon sent residents searching for better ground.

1899: The settlers moved closer to the new Southern Pacific rail line, reestablishing the community under the name Palmdale. The railroad brought hope, supplies, and a lifeline to the outside world.

1913: The completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct brought much-needed water into the region, which helped local farming efforts and supported future growth.

1915: Palmdale got its first newspaper, the Palmdale Post. It served a small but determined farming community.

1921: The first major road connecting Palmdale and Los Angeles opened — Mint Canyon Road, which would become part of U.S. Route 6. This helped bring in goods, visitors, and eventually commuters.

1924: The Little Rock Dam and Harold Reservoir (now Lake Palmdale) were built to store water for agriculture, giving farmers a better chance of survival in the high desert.

1933: Muroc Air Base (later Edwards Air Force Base) was established just north of Palmdale. Over time, this would dramatically influence the town’s economy and population.

1952: The U.S. Air Force established Plant 42, an aerospace testing and manufacturing facility. This cemented Palmdale’s role as a key player in aviation and defense.

1953: Lockheed Martin set up shop at Plant 42, kicking off decades of high-tech work in stealth aircraft and advanced aviation projects.

1956: The infamous “Battle of Palmdale” happened — an out-of-control Navy drone had to be shot down by fighter jets. It caused some unexpected damage, but no one was hurt.

1957: Palmdale High School opened, giving local kids a place to learn closer to home.

1962: Palmdale officially became a city on August 24, the first incorporated community in the Antelope Valley.

1964: The Antelope Valley Freeway (Highway 14) opened, offering a faster route to Los Angeles and sparking a wave of growth and commuters.

1971: The LA/Palmdale Regional Airport opened, intended to bring passenger flights and business to the area.

1977: Palmdale opened its first public library — a sign the town was maturing and growing culturally as well as economically.

1980s–1990s: Affordable housing and space to grow brought thousands of new residents to Palmdale. It became a commuter town for people working in LA but wanting more space and less cost.

2000s–Present: Palmdale now has over 169,000 residents and remains one of Southern California’s key aerospace and energy hubs. The city continues to balance growth with its desert roots, aviation history, and forward-looking vision.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: For thousands of years, the Antelope Valley was home to Native peoples who lived off the land and traveled through the region for trade. Lancaster sits on ground once crisscrossed by ancient paths connecting the coast, the Central Valley, and the deserts beyond.

1876: The Southern Pacific Railroad laid down tracks through the valley, and a simple stop along the line became known as Lancaster. The trains tied together San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the town began to grow around the tracks.

1884: Moses Langley Wicks bought land from the railroad and laid out the town. He sold off parcels to settlers, mostly in 160-acre chunks, planting the seeds of the community.

1888: The Western Hotel opened its doors. It became the heart of town life and later housed workers building the Los Angeles Aqueduct — a project that would reshape Southern California.

1898: Gold was found in the nearby hills. Prospectors rushed in, and Lancaster got another burst of energy as miners came through for supplies and rest.

1929: Lancaster Airport was founded and would soon play a key role in aviation. It served as a pilot training site during World War II, preparing young aviators for action overseas.

1941–1945: War Eagle Field, west of Lancaster, became the Allied forces’ major flight training ground. The desert skies buzzed with student pilots learning to fly under wartime pressure.

1950s–1960s: Veterans returned home and settled in Lancaster. With jobs available in nearby aerospace industries and plenty of open land, Lancaster quickly expanded into a thriving desert suburb.

1977: Lancaster was officially incorporated as a city, giving locals more say in how their town would grow and function.

1990: The city created the Aerospace Walk of Honor to celebrate the brave test pilots who flew cutting-edge aircraft in the skies above the Antelope Valley.

2010: The city launched “The BLVD” project — a downtown revitalization effort that transformed the main street into a lively center for shopping, dining, and community events.

2013: Lancaster made national headlines by becoming the first city in the U.S. to require solar panels on all new homes. It was a bold step toward becoming a net-zero energy city.

Present Day: Lancaster is now a city of over 170,000 people, known for its aerospace heritage, solar power leadership, and creative downtown. It’s a desert town that continues to evolve, balancing its pioneer past with a high-tech future.

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.

Historical Timeline

1876: Mojave started as a dusty construction camp for the Southern Pacific Railroad. It was built to support the rail line heading through the desert, just a few tents and supply wagons initially.

1884–1889: Mojave became the western end of the famous twenty-mule team borax wagon route. These massive wagons hauled borax 165 miles from Death Valley to the railhead in Mojave — a tough trip through brutal terrain that’s now the stuff of legend.

1935: Kern County set up the Mojave Airport just east of town. It wasn’t built for tourists — it was meant to serve the booming mining operations in the region, especially gold and silver.

1941: As World War II approached, the government stepped in and upgraded the airport with paved runways and defense facilities. Mojave’s wide open skies made it a good place to train pilots.

1942–1946: After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Marine Corps took over the airport and turned it into Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station Mojave. It became a central training hub during the war.

1953: The base reopened during the Korean War for more flight training. Mojave was no stranger to the sound of engines roaring overhead.

1961: When the Marines left, the county took over the airport again. Instead of letting it go quiet, they saw potential for something more.

1972: The East Kern Airport District was formed to manage the airport, and that decision laid the foundation for future developments.

1980s–1990s: Mojave became a leader in wind power. Thousands of wind turbines popped up in the hills, turning the desert into a renewable energy powerhouse.

2004: The town made history when SpaceShipOne launched from the Mojave Air and Space Port, becoming the first private manned spacecraft to reach space. Mojave had officially entered the space race.

2013: The local airport district officially changed its name to the Mojave Air and Space Port. What started as a mining airstrip became a global center for aerospace innovation.

Present Day: Mojave is a desert crossroads, a rocket-testing ground, a home to wind farms, and a place where old mining grit meets futuristic ambition. From mule teams to spacecraft, it’s always been about moving forward under wide open skies.

Historical Timeline

1919: A prospector named Pete Osdick hit silver in the Mojave Desert, not far from the boomtowns of Randsburg and Johannesburg. In his honor, what started as a small mining camp was named Osdick — a few shacks and tents in a sea of sagebrush.

1922: The Osdick post office opened, putting the place on the map. With the mail came more miners, investors, and hangers-on hoping to strike it rich in the silver fields.

1929: As the area grew and the hills took on a more permanent character, the name was changed to Red Mountain, inspired by the reddish tones of the surrounding desert rock.

1920s–1930s: Red Mountain boomed alongside the Kelly Silver Mine, one of the richest silver producers in California at the time. The town had a rough charm—miners by day and a rowdy nightlife after dark. Saloons like the Owl Café served whiskey, gossip, and dancing until morning.

1930s: The silver market took a nosedive, and with it went the town’s good fortune. Mine slowed, people drifted away, and Red Mountain settled into a quiet decline.

Present Day: Red Mountain is a quiet desert outpost with a few dozen residents and the weathered bones of a mining past. Old headframes and dusty relics can still be seen along the road. Though the rush is long gone, Red Mountain remains part of the story that gold and silver wrote across the Mojave.

Historical Timeline

1893: Prospectors were already combing the Mojave Desert when gold was found at Goler Wash, setting off the first wave of attention in what would soon become the Rand Mining District.

April 1895: John Singleton, Charles Burcham, and Frederic Mooers hit a rich vein of gold on Rand Mountain. That claim became the Yellow Aster Mine — one of the most productive gold mines in Southern California. Their find kicked off a real gold rush.

December 1895: A tent city quickly sprang up around the Yellow Aster and was called Rand Camp. Miners, merchants, and all kinds of frontier folks came pouring in, setting up saloons, stores, and makeshift homes.

1896: Rand Camp was officially renamed Randsburg, and a post office was established — a sure sign that this dusty camp had grown into a town.

1897: The Randsburg Railway connected the town to Kramer Junction, making it easier to haul ore and supplies in and out. It was a vital link that kept the boom going strong.

1898: Two devastating fires tore through town. One burned half the buildings; the other followed just months later, destroying much of what had been rebuilt. But the town bounced back — as mining towns often did.

1903: Workers at the Yellow Aster Mine went on strike, protesting poor wages and conditions. Like many Western mining towns, labor tension simmered just under the surface.

1918: The Yellow Aster Mine shut down operations. It reopened briefly in 1921, but by 1933, it closed for good as the Great Depression and falling ore prices took their toll.

1933: The Randsburg Railway ceased operations that same year. The boom days were over, and the desert began to reclaim its silence.

Present Day: Randsburg is a living ghost town with a population of around 45 people. On weekends, motorcyclists and tourists stop in to explore old buildings, visit the general store, and soak in the frontier feel. It’s a place where the Wild West never quite faded — it just got a little quieter.

Historical Timeline

1895: Gold was discovered at the Yellow Aster Mine in nearby Randsburg. That discovery kicked off one of the most energetic mining booms in the Mojave Desert, and the region suddenly had a future.

1896: Johannesburg was founded to support the growing mining activity. It wasn’t named after someone local — the name came from Johannesburg, South Africa, another famous gold rush town. That international nod reflected the hopes people had for the area’s potential.

1897: The Randsburg Railway was completed, linking Johannesburg to Kramer Junction. Now miners could ship out their ore and supplies much faster, and the town began to hum with rail whistles and wagon wheels.

1900: Believe it or not, Johannesburg had its 9-hole golf course. It was the pride of the desert, with a 13-member club that included seven women. It was not exactly Pebble Beach, but it showed how much folks wanted to make the desert feel like home.

1919: Silver was struck near Red Mountain, just north of Johannesburg. The Rand Silver Mine became California’s top silver producer, drawing a second wave of miners, merchants, and roughnecks into the area.

1933: After decades of mining highs and lows, the Randsburg Railway shut down. The mines were slowing, the Depression was deepening, and the trains stopped rolling.

Present Day: Johannesburg is a quiet, unincorporated community with just over 100 residents. The desert has reclaimed much of the noise and bustle, but remnants of its mining past still dot the hills. Old buildings, weathered signs, and mine shafts remind visitors of a time when this tiny town helped fuel California’s economy with gold and silver.

Historical Timeline

1882: The Southern Pacific Railroad set up a siding named “Kramer,” after Moritz Kramer, a German immigrant. At first, it was just a dusty stop in the middle of nowhere, but it didn’t stay quiet for long.

1884: Prospectors discovered gold and copper nearby, which led to the creation of the Kramer Mining District. It didn’t turn into a boomtown, but it put the place on the map.

1898: The Randsburg Railway opened, connecting Kramer Junction with Johannesburg, California. This short rail line helped move minerals from the Rand Mining District to the rest of the world — and gave Kramer a bit of economic steam.

1926: The Herkelrath brothers struck gold in the Kramer Hills, just southeast of town. A little boom followed, complete with a general store and even a library. But the ore wasn’t very good, and water was hard to come by. The rush fizzled out by 1931.

Late 1940s–1950s: The Darr family gave the area a second wind. They bought property at the junction, opened a gas station, and built the Darr Motel. To do this, they moved old duplexes from Edwards Air Force Base and turned them into guest rooms—practical and memorable.

1980s: Kramer Junction became a pioneer in solar power. The Kramer Junction Company built five solar thermal plants (SEGS III through VII) outside town. These mirrors-in-the-desert produced 150 megawatts of electricity and helped put Kramer on the renewable energy map.

2018–2019: Traffic at the Highway 395 and Route 58 intersection had become a headache — long lines, slow trucks, and frequent backups. Caltrans built a new expressway to bypass the worst of it, and by late 2019, the new 13-mile stretch of Route 58 was up and running.

Present Day: Kramer Junction, known by many simply as “Four Corners,” is still a crossroads in the Mojave. The mines are quiet now, but solar panels gleam in the sun, trucks rumble past, and travelers stop for burgers, gas, and a break from the road. It’s a small place with a long history — part of the rhythm of the desert.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1900s: Long before mining arrived, Native American groups like the Kawaiisu and Panamint Shoshone traveled through the area, using seasonal springs and trading routes across the western Mojave Desert.

1905: Amargo rail siding popped up along the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad line. It mostly served borate shipments from nearby mines like Borate and played a minor role in desert freight traffic.

1913: Dr. J.K. Suckow, a homesteader and geologist, drilled a water well near Boron and hit a strange white mineral instead — colemanite, a borate ore. He had stumbled onto one of the richest borate deposits in the world.

1925: A large-scale borax deposit was confirmed in the area. This set off a new development chapter as mining companies raced to secure land and mineral rights. The town of Boron was born around this effort.

1927: The Pacific Coast Borax Company opened a mine and began full-scale operations. A mill and housing followed quickly, forming the roots of what became a tight-knit mining town.

1930s–40s: Boron continued to grow with steady borax production. During World War II, borates were vital in producing glass, steel, and other military materials, making the town strategically important.

1957: U.S. Borax, which had taken over operations, opened the Borax Visitors Center to showcase the mineral’s and industry’s significance to the public.

1961: NASA began testing rocket engines and aircraft nearby at the Boron Federal Aviation Facility, later used by Edwards Air Force Base. The open land and clear skies made it ideal for aerospace development.

1970s–1980s: Boron became famous for having the largest open-pit borax mine in the world—a giant hole in the desert with a global economic impact. Most of the world’s borates came out of this little town.

1990s: Rio Tinto Minerals, an international mining company, acquired U.S. Borax. The site remained one of the company’s most productive and technologically advanced operations.

2000s–2010s: Boron remained focused on mining, but the town faced challenges as automation reduced jobs and younger generations left for opportunities elsewhere.

Present Day: Boron is still home to one of the world’s largest borate mines. The town has a museum, a tight-knit community, and a front-row seat to the blend of industrial history and desert resilience. Mining built everything—from streets to schools—and the desert continues to shape daily life.

Historical Timeline

1776: Spanish missionary Francisco Garcés passed through the area during the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition. He camped at Castle Butte, not far from where California City now stands.

Late 1800s: The land that would eventually become California City was part of the route used by borax freighters. The famous Twenty-Mule Team wagons passed through here, hauling borax to railheads in Mojave.

1944–1959: During and after World War II, the U.S. military used this desert as a training ground known as the Mojave Gunnery Range “C.” Pilots practiced bombing and strafing runs over the wide open landscape.

1958: Nat Mendelsohn, a sociology professor and developer, bought 82,000 acres of Mojave Desert with a bold dream — to build a new city to rival Los Angeles. He laid out roads, parks, and even a man-made lake, hoping it would grow fast.

1960: A post office opened, a small but important step in turning Mendelsohn’s desert dream into a real town.

1965: California City was officially incorporated on December 10. It had fewer than 1,000 residents but plenty of ambition, with big streets laid out for a population that hadn’t arrived yet.

1969: Population growth stalled, and some of the early promises hadn’t been delivered. The Federal Trade Commission stepped in to investigate claims that land sales and marketing had been misleading.

1977: A major settlement forced the development company to repay over 14,000 landowners and build infrastructure that had been promised. At the time, it was the largest FTC case of its kind.

1999: A large correctional facility was built in California City. It was first used for federal inmates and later leased to the state of California as part of a broader prison reform effort.

2013: The state leased the prison for $28.5 million a year to help relieve overcrowding in its correctional system. It brought jobs but also sparked debate about the city’s economic direction.

2016: California City took a step into the cannabis economy by becoming the first in Kern County to allow large-scale commercial marijuana cultivation. It was an effort to create a new revenue stream.

2023: The correctional facility was shut down when the state ended its lease, leaving behind questions about the city’s next economic chapter.

Present Day: California City is still one of the largest cities in California by land area, but its population remains modest. It’s a place of wide streets, open skies, and dreams that haven’t quite caught up with the map. Locals work in industries tied to nearby Edwards Air Force Base, the Mojave Air and Space Port, and growing regional industries.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: The Serrano people were the original inhabitants of Lucerne Valley. They lived off the land, gathering desert plants, hunting small game, and traveling between mountain and valley with the seasons. Their knowledge of the land ran deep.

1867: On February 16, the Battle at Chimney Rock took place. This was one of the last major clashes between Native Americans and settlers in the Mojave Desert. Though the Native defenders fought bravely, they were eventually pushed back.

1873: Peter Davidson became the first white settler in the area. He set up a homestead at Rabbit Springs and ran a way station for travelers crossing the desert — a lonely but vital outpost.

1897: James “Dad” Goulding arrived and planted apple trees, vegetables, and alfalfa. Locals began calling the area “Lucerne,” after the French word for alfalfa, which grew well in the valley’s dry soil.

1912: The growing community held its first July 4th celebration. Around the same time, Lucerne Valley got its own post office — a big step for a frontier town.

1916: A fierce windstorm sparked a fire that destroyed both Lucerne Valley and Midway schools. Until they were rebuilt, students attended class at Rodman School.

1920s: Lucerne Valley became a popular spot for filming Westerns with its wide open spaces and rugged scenery. Movie crews brought some extra money and excitement to the otherwise quiet desert.

1928: Electricity finally came to Lucerne Valley. But old habits die hard—many families still used kerosene lamps for years afterward.

1947: The opening of the Dunton Quarry Mine brought jobs and helped bring the railroad closer to town. Mining became a vital part of the valley’s economy.

1950s: The town began to grow. Guest ranches popped up, Hollywood stars visited to escape the city, and the community built more schools and shops. Lucerne Valley was no longer just a stopover — it was becoming a real town.

1980s: Mitsubishi Cement Company bought the Cushenbury cement plant and became one of the area’s biggest employers, strengthening the region’s industrial ties.

Present Day: Lucerne Valley remains a rural, tight-knit community with deep roots in desert history. People still appreciate open land, self-reliance, and the quiet rhythms of high desert life.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: For over 2,000 years, the Serrano people lived in Big Bear Valley. They called themselves the Yuhaviatam, or “People of the Pines.” They thrived in the forests, gathering acorns, hunting deer and rabbits, and holding sacred ceremonies in the clear mountain air.

1845: Benjamin Davis Wilson led a group into the San Bernardino Mountains searching for raiders. What they found instead were dozens of grizzly bears. Impressed and slightly alarmed, he named the place “Bear Valley” and called the marshy lake “Big Bear Lake.”

1859: Prospector William F. Holcomb struck gold in the valley. That discovery kicked off a local gold rush, and Holcomb Valley quickly became the busiest settlement in San Bernardino County.

1884: Entrepreneur Frank Brown built a dam in Bear Valley to store water for farms down in Redlands. The result was Big Bear Lake — at the time, the largest man-made lake in the world.

1912: A second, taller dam was built to hold even more water. The original dam still sits submerged beneath today’s lake surface.

1920s: As cars got better and roads improved, more people came up to Big Bear to escape the city. The cool air and pine forests made it a natural resort town. Hollywood even started filming westerns and outdoor scenes here.

1921: Emile Jesserun opened the Pan Hot Springs Hotel, one of the first major resorts. People came to relax, breathe the fresh mountain air, and soak in the hot springs.

1929: Big Bear got its first ski jump, setting the stage for winter sports. It was the beginning of Big Bear’s transformation into a year-round getaway.

1952: Tommy Tyndall opened Snow Summit, one of the first full-scale ski resorts in the region. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing became part of local life and a big draw for visitors.

1968: Construction began on the Big Bear Solar Observatory, built right on the lake to take advantage of the clear skies and high elevation.

1980: Big Bear Lake officially incorporated as a city on November 28, giving the mountain town its own local government and a clearer sense of identity.

Present Day: Big Bear is a four-season destination — skiing and snowboarding in winter, boating and hiking in summer, fall colors, spring flowers, and crisp mountain air year-round. It remains a beloved mix of natural beauty, frontier history, and outdoor adventure.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: The Serrano people lived seasonally in the San Bernardino Mountains, including the Crestline area. They gathered acorns, hunted game, and held ceremonies in the forests, forming a deep connection to the land.

1850s: Mormon settlers arrived and set up sawmills to harvest the rich pine forests. Logging became the first industry in the area and helped open up the mountains for future settlements.

1906: A group of investors from San Bernardino bought 630 acres in the mountains. They saw the area’s potential as both a retreat and a resource — this marked the beginning of Crestline as a developed community.

1926: Arthur Gregory Sr., a citrus grower from Redlands, built a sawmill in a spot called Valley of the Moon. He needed packing crates for his fruit business, and the mountains supplied both timber and cool air.

1937–1939: Construction of Lake Gregory began with help from the Works Progress Administration. Gregory himself helped finance the project. Heavy rains filled the lake quickly, and it soon became the heart of the community — a place for swimming, fishing, and picnics.

1946: Crestline became home to the world’s first church parish named after newly canonized Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. The little church became a spiritual anchor in the mountains.

1983: Hang gliders had been launching from the nearby cliffs for years, but in 1983, the San Bernardino Hang Gliding Association was renamed the Crestline Soaring Society. The skies above Crestline became a destination for gliders and paragliders alike.

2003: The Old Fire swept across the San Bernardino Mountains, forcing evacuations in Crestline. It was a stark reminder of how quickly wildfire could threaten even the quietest mountain towns.

2023: A record-setting blizzard buried Crestline in snow, leaving many residents trapped for days. Roads were blocked, supplies ran short, and neighbors leaned on each other while emergency crews worked around the clock to help.

Present Day: Crestline is still a peaceful mountain town with tall pines, winding roads, and the cool waters of Lake Gregory. History, nature, and a strong sense of community continue to shape daily life.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: Long before roads or railroads, the Serrano people traveled through Cajon Pass. It was a natural corridor between the Mojave Desert and the valleys to the south — a well-worn trail for trade, gathering, and seasonal movement.

1776: Spanish explorers, including Father Francisco Garcés, came through the pass. It soon became part of what would later be called the Old Spanish Trail, linking New Mexico to California.

1830: Trader Antonio Armijo officially led a commercial caravan through Cajon Pass, making it part of the main route for trade between Santa Fe and Los Angeles.

1848: A few former members of the Mormon Battalion managed to get a wagon through the pass, proving that the steep, rocky route could support overland wagon travel.

1851: A group of Mormon pioneers, led by Amasa Lyman and Charles Rich, brought dozens of wagons through the pass as they headed to start the settlement of San Bernardino.

1861: John Brown Sr. built a toll road through Cajon Pass. It made travel easier for wagons and stagecoaches and became the main route connecting Southern California to the desert and beyond.

1885: The California Southern Railroad completed its line through Cajon Pass, connecting San Bernardino to Barstow. Trains started hauling people, cattle, and freight through the mountains, transforming travel in the region.

1916: The first paved highway over Cajon Pass was finished, opening the route to automobiles and marking the beginning of modern highway travel in the High Desert.

1926: Route 66 officially included the road through Cajon Pass. This brought a wave of tourism, roadside businesses, and car culture to the area.

1969: Interstate 15 was built through the pass, replacing the old highway and making travel faster and more reliable — though not immune to traffic jams and winter weather.

1989: A tragic train accident occurred when a Southern Pacific freight train lost its brakes and derailed in the pass. The crash caused a deadly pipeline explosion and became one of the worst accidents in the region’s history.

2016: The Blue Cut Fire tore through Cajon Pass, forcing evacuations and destroying homes. It spread quickly due to high winds and dry brush, reminding everyone just how dangerous fire season can be.

Present Day: Cajon Pass remains one of the busiest mountain crossings in Southern California. Whether it’s semis on the freeway, Amtrak trains, or long freight hauls, the pass is still doing what it’s done for centuries — carrying people and goods across the mountains.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1800s: The area that would become Wrightwood was home to the Serrano people, who called themselves the Yuharetum — “people of the pines.” They lived seasonally in the mountains, hunting game, gathering plants, and holding ceremonies in the forested canyons.

1812: A powerful earthquake, believed to have started near Wrightwood, shook Southern California. The San Juan Capistrano quake damaged missions across the region and left a lasting mark on early California history.

1854: Isaac Slover, one of the region’s earliest Anglo settlers and bear hunters, was killed by a grizzly near the Wrightwood area. This story added to the frontier reputation of the San Gabriel Mountains.

1886: Sumner Wright moved to California and eventually discovered the beauty of the Swarthout Valley. He later bought land from prospector Samuel Guffy and started building what would become the town of Wrightwood.

1924: Facing financial pressure, Sumner Wright subdivided his land into mountain lots and officially formed the village of Wrightwood. It quickly became a getaway for people looking for pine trees and fresh mountain air.

1926: William Bristol built the Acorn Lodge. This rustic lodge became a social hub for visitors and gave Wrightwood a reputation as a relaxing mountain resort.

1961: Wrightwood got its first cable TV service — a big deal for a small mountain town that had been pretty isolated for most of its early years.

1967: The Southern California Gas Company brought natural gas to the area, making life more convenient for full-time residents and visitors alike.

1970: The opening of Interstate 15 over Cajon Pass made it easier for folks in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles to reach Wrightwood, bringing in more weekenders and winter visitors.

1973: The road to Crystal Lake reopened after years of closure, reconnecting Wrightwood with the rest of the San Gabriel range and improving access from the south.

1976: Wrightwood got its first paramedic team — Chuck Blakeslee and Dave Faust — giving the community better emergency medical services in a remote mountain setting.

2016: The Blue Cut Fire led to mandatory evacuations in Wrightwood. Flames threatened homes and forced thousands of High Desert residents to flee.

2020: The Bobcat Fire burned through the San Gabriels, and Wrightwood was again on evacuation watch. Wildfire danger had become a growing concern.

2024: The Bridge Fire hit close to home, forcing the entire town to evacuate. It was a stark reminder of mountain communities’ vulnerability to nature’s unpredictability.

Present Day: Wrightwood remains a peaceful, pine-covered town in the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s known for skiing, hiking, small-town charm, and neighbors who look out for one another.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.