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.