San Bernardino history

The history of the city of San Bernardino dates back to the early 19th century, although its active development began in the middle of the century. This city in Southern California has transformed from a small missionary station into a vital transport and economic hub.

Foundation and First Mentions

The valley owes its name to the Spanish missionary Francisco Dumetz, who arrived here on May 20, 1810, the feast day of Saint Bernardine of Siena. In the early decades, an outpost of the San Gabriel Mission was located here, intended for agriculture and trade. A full-fledged settlement was established significantly later, in 1851, when a group of nearly 500 Mormon pioneers arrived. They purchased the former Lugo ranch and laid out the city, which was officially incorporated on April 1, 1854. Initially, the city's population was 1,200 people, 900 of whom were Mormons.

Key Factors of Establishment

The growth and prosperity of San Bernardino were driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is located at the foot of the Cajon Pass, which served as a crucial gateway through the San Bernardino Mountains for travelers and traders following the Old Spanish Trail.
• Transport Hub: The transformation into a major transport centre occurred in the second half of the 19th century with the arrival of the railways. The Southern Pacific in 1875 and, most importantly, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in 1883-1886 connected the city to the national network, sparking an economic boom.
• Economic Development: After the departure of many Mormons to Utah in 1857, a new impulse for development was provided by the gold boom of the 1860s in the nearby mountains. Later, the city's economy firmly established itself on agriculture, particularly citrus growing, and servicing the railway, which became one of the largest employers.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

At the dawn of its existence, San Bernardino was a strictly organized Mormon community with rigorous moral standards, including a ban on alcohol and gambling. The settlers created a clear urban layout with straight streets and irrigation canals for agriculture. After the departure of the Mormons, the city became more diverse, attracting gold prospectors, farmers, and railway workers. This laid the foundation for San Bernardino's transformation into the multicultural centre it remains today.

Timeline of San Bernardino History

The city of San Bernardino, located in the very heart of Southern California, boasts a rich and multi-layered history. From a Spanish mission to a railway hub and a modern metropolis — here are the key milestones of its development.

• 1810 — Spanish missionary priest Francisco Dumetz names the valley "San Bernardino" on May 20, the feast day of Saint Bernardine of Siena.
• 1842 — The Mexican government grants the San Bernardino Rancho to the Lugo family, marking the beginning of the era of large cattle ranches.
• 1851 — About 500 Mormon settlers purchase the ranch from the Lugo family and establish a permanent settlement known as Fort San Bernardino.
• 1854 — San Bernardino officially receives city status, and Mormon apostle Amasa M. Lyman becomes its first mayor.
• 1857 — Most Mormon settlers are recalled back to Utah, leading to significant demographic and social changes in the city.
• 1860 — Gold is found in the nearby Holcomb Valley mountains, sparking a local "gold rush" and attracting new settlers to the region.
• 1883 — The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway arrives in the city, turning San Bernardino into an important transport and logistics hub.
• 1911 — The first National Orange Show takes place, becoming an iconic annual event celebrating the region's citrus industry.
• 1926 — San Bernardino Valley College opens, laying the foundation for higher education in the region.
• 1940 — Brothers Dick and Mac McDonald open their first restaurant in San Bernardino, which became the prototype for the future world-famous McDonald's chain.
• 1942 — The "San Bernardino" Air Base (later renamed "Norton") opens, playing a key role during World War II and in subsequent decades.
• 1994 — Norton Air Force Base officially closes, leading to a serious economic restructuring of the city, and the development of an international airport begins on its site.

Key Stages of San Bernardino's Development

The history of San Bernardino is a tale of transformation driven by strategic location and the enterprising spirit of its residents. From a Mormon outpost to an important economic centre of Southern California, the city has passed through several defining stages.

• Railway Boom (1883): The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway radically changed the city's economy. San Bernardino turned into a major transport hub, and the railway workshops became one of the main employers, attracting thousands of workers and specialists to the region.
• Centre of the Citrus Industry (Early 20th Century): Thanks to fertile lands and developed logistics, the city became the heart of California's citrus industry. The first National Orange Show, held in 1911, cemented this status for San Bernardino and became its cultural hallmark for decades.
• The Era of Route 66 (from 1926): The legendary Route 66 highway passed directly through the city, which contributed to the development of roadside infrastructure: motels, restaurants, and service stations. This strengthened San Bernardino's reputation as an important stop for travelers crossing America.
• Birthplace of Fast Food (1940): Brothers Dick and Mac McDonald opened their first restaurant in San Bernardino, where in 1948 they introduced the revolutionary "Speedee Service System". This concept formed the basis of the global fast-food industry and forever inscribed the city in world history.
• Military and Aviation Centre (1942–1994): The opening of the US Air Force Base "Norton" provided a powerful boost to the city's economy. For half a century, the base was one of the largest employers and played a key role in the country's defense system. Its closure in 1994 required the city to undergo serious economic restructuring and diversification.
• Development of Higher Education (from 1965): The founding of California State University, San Bernardino transformed the city into an important educational and scientific centre of the region, attracting students and faculty and promoting the development of high-tech industries.

The architectural appearance of San Bernardino reflects key stages of its history: from a humble pioneer settlement to an important transport and economic centre of Southern California. In the city, one can trace the succession of several architectural eras, each leaving its unique mark.

Inception: Utilitarian Pioneer Architecture (Mid-19th Century)

The initial development of the city, founded by Mormon settlers in 1851, was purely functional. The first significant structure was Fort San Bernardino — a stockade of logs built for protection. This early architecture was dictated by necessity and served no decorative function, which is characteristic of pioneer settlements of that time.

Victorian Era and Arts & Crafts Style (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

With the arrival of the railway in 1883, an economic boom began in San Bernardino. This period coincided with the flourishing of Victorian architecture in the USA. Residential homes and commercial buildings with intricate details, carved elements, and asymmetrical facades began to appear in the city. In parallel, in the early 20th century, on the wave of prosperity in the citrus industry, the Arts and Crafts (Craftsman) style became widespread, especially in the form of cozy single-story bungalows that still shape the look of many residential areas of the city.

Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco (1920s–1930s)

The "Roaring Twenties" brought a fashion for romanticized historical styles to California. In San Bernardino, this manifested in Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, reflecting the region's heritage. Key buildings of this era include:

• California Theatre (1928): A magnificent example of the "California Churrigueresque" style (a variety of Spanish Colonial Revival). Its richly decorated facade and luxurious interior made it the city's main cultural centre.
• San Bernardino County Courthouse (1926): A monumental structure in the Neoclassical (Beaux-Arts) style, built on the site of the old Mormon fort. Its majestic appearance with columns and classical proportions symbolized law and order in the growing city.

Mid-Century Modernism (1940s–1960s)

The post-war boom, the development of car culture, and the routing of the legendary Route 66 highway through the city led to the spread of modernism. This style valued simple lines, functionality, and new materials. It was in San Bernardino in 1940 that the McDonald brothers opened their first restaurant, which became the prototype for fast-food architecture — a simple, utilitarian building oriented towards motorists. In residential development during this period, "ranch" style houses dominated.

Modern Stage (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

In recent history, the city's architecture follows modern trends, using glass, steel, and concrete. A striking example is the San Bernardino Justice Center, opened in 2014. This 12-story tower of glass and metal is the tallest building in the city and symbolizes its aspiration towards the future. Modern projects also include private residences designed to merge harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape.

Notable Figures Associated with San Bernardino

The city of San Bernardino, with its rich and diverse history, has been the birthplace or an important life stage for many outstanding individuals who have left a mark in culture, business, sports, and politics.

• The McDonald Brothers (Richard and Maurice) — Entrepreneurs. It was in San Bernardino in 1940 that they opened their first McDonald's Bar-B-Q restaurant, and in 1948 they radically changed its concept by introducing the "Speedee Service System". This step revolutionized the food service industry and marked the beginning of a global fast-food empire.
• Gene Hackman — Actor. Born in San Bernardino on January 30, 1930. He is one of the most respected actors of his generation, winner of two Academy Awards for his roles in the films "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven".
• Edith Head — Costume designer. Born in San Bernardino, she became one of the most influential figures in the history of Hollywood cinema. Over her career, she received a record eight Academy Awards, creating unforgettable looks for stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.
• Wyatt Earp — Legendary lawman of the Wild West era. The Earp family moved to San Bernardino in 1864, and Wyatt spent part of his youth here. Later, members of his family, including brothers James and Morgan, were buried in local cemeteries, forever linking the Earp name with the city's history.
• Derek Parra — Speed skater. A native of San Bernardino, he became an Olympic champion at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, winning a gold medal in the 1500 meters and a silver in the 5000 meters. His success story has become an inspiration for many.
• Jefferson Hunt — Pioneer, military, and political figure. He led the group of Mormon settlers who founded the settlement in 1851 that subsequently became the city of San Bernardino. He is often called the "Father of San Bernardino" for his key role in the founding and initial organization of the city.