Indians originally occupied the San Bernardino Valley. Two of the major documented
tribes in the early 1800's were the Serranos and the Cahuilla Indians. Existing evidence
indicates that Indian tribes may have dwelled in the San Bernardino Valley for more than
4000 years. Hikers can still take a trip to the Lake Arrowhead area and explore the Indian
mortars at a site called Rock Camp.
Missionary
From 1819 to 1821 San Bernardino went through a Missionary period. The area was
actually an outpost for the San Gabriel Mission. During this time missionaries established
a rancho, and later an Asistencia Mission where local Indian tribes were encouraged to
come to learn how to plant and irrigate crops. Today, a reconstructed version of the
original Asistencia is located on Barton Road in Redlands.
Indian Vaqueros
Indian vaqueros inhabited the San Bernardino Valley during the Ranchero era from 1842
to 1851. Life on the rancheros revolved around the raising of cattle. Accfounts of life on
the Spanish ranchos stress hospitality of the people, fiestas and rodeos.
The Mormons
A Mormon contingent of 500 settled in San Bernardino in 1851. Three years later in
1854, the city was officially incorporated. The population at that time was 1200 including
900 Mormons. In 1857 approximately sixty percent of the Mormons were called back to Utah
by Brigham Young.
Gold!
In 1860 William F. Holcomb filed five gold claims in an area now known as Holcomb
Valley. Holcomb's claim resulted in a major gold rush. Holcomb Valley was one of the
largest gold findings in Southern California. Miners poured into the mountains through San
Bernardino in search of their fortunes. For a time, Belleville, a mining town in Holcomb
Valley, was the largest city in Southern California with 10,000 residents. To this day the
main gold "vein" has yet to be discovered. The Valley remains much the same
today and gold is still found by "weekend miners" who make the trek with their
pans and equipment.
Rail
The railroads made their arrival to San Bernardino in the 1880's. San Bernardino was
changed from a sleepy town to an enterprising city. In 1883 the Southern Pacific arrived
in Colton, and in 1885, the Santa Fe completed its line through the Cajon Pass into the
city itself. By the 1890's San Bernardino was becoming an important trade center and
railroad town.
History buffs would enjoy a visit to San Bernardino's History Walk, located at Seccombe
Lake Park. Prominent people and significant events are commemorated on thirty bronze
plaques along a lovely brick walkway.
Route 66
And for those Route 66 fans, don't miss the curious Wigwam Motel on the north side of
Foothill Boulevard, one of the remaining relics of the 66 era. San Bernardino was made
quite famous by all of the excitement of the "Mother Road." The Route still
exists and passes through the city on its way to Santa Monica where it ends.
