San Bernardino

San Bernardino Valley was initially settled in 1810 by Spanish missionaries who established the Rancho San Bernardino as a sacramental rancho for the Mission San Gabriel. The region was populated by the Serrano Native American tribe. It was later developed into a Mexican land grant after Mexican Independence in 1821 and became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War.

On December 16, 1857, the Fort Tejon Earthquake struck Southern California, affecting the San Bernardino region. With an estimated magnitude of 7.9, it was one of the strongest earthquakes in California's recorded history. The earthquake caused significant ground movement and damage to adobe structures in the San Bernardino area, marking a critical event in the region's history.

From December 1861 to January 1862, the Great Flood of 1862 devastated large parts of California, including San Bernardino. The flood was caused by a series of rainstorms that inundated the area, destroying homes, infrastructure, and farmland. It remains one of the most significant floods in the history of California, altering the geography and development of San Bernardino and surrounding areas.

On October 23, 1893, San Bernardino officially became a chartered county. This marked a significant development in its governance as the city took on a more structured legal and administrative framework. The incorporation paved the way for economic and civic growth, allowing the region to develop its infrastructure, services, and municipal government.

Norton Air Force Base, initially known as San Bernardino Army Air Field, was established on October 12, 1942. During World War II, the base served as a key logistics and supply hub for the U.S. Army Air Forces. Norton was instrumental in supporting military operations across the Pacific and provided employment opportunities, significantly impacting the economy and development of San Bernardino.

Route 66, one of America’s most famous highways, officially opened in San Bernardino on June 30, 1944. The highway became a vital transportation corridor, fostering economic development and tourism. Embraced in American culture as 'The Mother Road,' it provided essential connectivity for trade and travel, contributing significantly to San Bernardino's growth through the mid-20th century.

On September 5, 1989, a decision was made to close Norton Air Force Base as part of a larger military realignment. The base officially ceased operations in 1994. The closure of the base had profound effects on the local economy and employment, prompting efforts to redevelop the area and transition to new industries, including warehousing and logistics.

Beginning on October 21, 2003, the Old Fire was a devastating wildfire that swept through San Bernardino County. Over 91,000 acres were burned, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. The wildfire was one of the largest and most destructive in California history at the time, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to wildfires and prompting changes in fire management strategies.

On December 2, 2015, a terrorist attack occurred at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. A married couple carried out a mass shooting and attempted bombing, resulting in 14 fatalities and 22 injuries. This attack was one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history, profoundly impacting the local community and prompting reforms in emergency response and counter-terrorism measures.

On June 2, 2016, the San Manuel Amphitheater, renowned as one of the largest outdoor music venues in Southern California, completed a significant expansion. This expansion increased capacity and improved facilities, reinforcing San Bernardino's status as a key location for cultural and musical events in the region. The venue has hosted numerous famous artists and continues to be a central part of the area's entertainment scene.