Victor Valley
Victor Valley is a region located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. It is bordered by the San Bernardino Mountains to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the southwest. This area includes several communities, with the most notable being Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Adelanto.
Here are some key aspects of Victor Valley:
Geography and Climate:
Situated in the High Desert, Victor Valley experiences a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area is characterized by sparse vegetation typical of a desert environment.Economy:
Historically, the economy of Victor Valley was dominated by mining and agriculture. However, in recent decades, the area has diversified into retail, industrial, and service sectors. The presence of logistics centers due to the valley's strategic location along major transportation routes has also contributed to economic growth.Demographics:
The population of Victor Valley is diverse, with a significant portion of residents commuting to work in larger cities nearby, such as San Bernardino and Los Angeles.Transportation:
The Victor Valley is a significant transportation hub due to the intersection of major highways and railroads. Interstate 15, which runs through the valley, is a critical artery linking Southern California with Las Vegas and points north.Education and Culture:
The region is served by several school districts, providing education from elementary through high school. Victor Valley College offers higher education opportunities. The area is also home to cultural sites like the Victor Valley Museum, which showcases local history and natural history.Recreation:
There are numerous recreational opportunities in and around Victor Valley. The Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers activities like fishing, horseback riding, and hiking, exploiting the area's natural desert landscape.Victor Valley serves as an interesting blend of suburban and rural lifestyles, providing a quieter alternative to the bustling cities closer to the coast, while still maintaining accessibility to urban amenities.
Historical information
Victor Valley has a rich and varied history that reflects its changing roles in California's development. Here are some key historical points:Native American Heritage:
Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Vanyume (a branch of the Serrano) who lived along the Mojave River. These indigenous peoples utilized the river as a vital resource in the arid desert environment.Spanish and Mexican Era:
During the Spanish and later Mexican periods, the area was part of a larger land grant system. It was not heavily colonized during these times but was traversed by explorers and missionaries.American Settlement:
The area began to develop significantly with American settlement in the mid-19th century. Following the acquisition of California during the Mexican-American War, American settlers moved into the region.Railroads and Mining:
The discovery of gold and other minerals led to a boom in mining operations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of railroads, particularly the Santa Fe Railroad, further stimulated growth by connecting the region with broader markets and making transportation of goods feasible.Agricultural Development:
Agriculture became an important part of the local economy, with the arid land made fertile through irrigation projects. Cattle ranching and later fruit orchards and other crop cultivation characterized the area's agricultural scene.Post-World War II Growth:
Like much of Southern California, Victor Valley experienced a surge in population and economic growth following World War II. The development of the interstate highway system, particularly Interstate 15, made the valley more accessible and attractive for new residents and businesses.Modern Development:
In recent decades, the region has seen growth in the housing sector and the establishment of distribution and logistics centers due to its strategic location. This has transformed the economic landscape of Victor Valley from primarily agricultural and mining to include retail, industrial, and service sectors.Victor Valley's history is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of its communities in the face of environmental and economic challenges. The region continues to evolve, maintaining a balance between development and preserving the unique desert environment that defines it.
Victor Valley Timeline
Combined timelines of Victorville, Hesperia & Apple Valley, CA.Pre-1800s: Indigenous Presence and Trade
The Serrano and Vanyume tribes lived along the Mojave River, relying on the river’s intermittent flow for food and trade.Trails used by these tribes would later become parts of the Mojave Road, Old Spanish Trail, and Salt Lake Road.
1850s–1870s: Pioneer Waystations and Early Ranching
1858: Aaron G. Lane establishes Lane’s Crossing on the Mojave River (present-day Oro Grande/Victorville area), offering rest and resupply to travelers heading west.Lane is considered the first permanent American settler along the Mojave River.
Summit Valley, near present-day Hesperia, sees increased grazing by early ranchers.
The Summit Valley Massacre (1866): A conflict between settlers and Native groups over livestock thefts and land disputes—an often overlooked but significant local tragedy.
1880s: Railroads and Town Foundations
1885: The California Southern Railroad, part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe system, reaches the High Desert.A telegraph and railroad station named Victor is established, later renamed Victorville in 1901 to avoid confusion with Victor, Colorado.
Jacob Nash Victor, the railroad manager, is the town’s namesake.
The Hesperia Land and Water Company, led by James G. Howland, promotes Hesperia. It lays out plans for an agricultural colony and resort town, though irrigation plans fall short.
1900s–1930s: Modest Growth and Agriculture
Hesperia experiments with vineyards, orchards, and dairy farms, but water shortages and harsh conditions hinder success.Victorville grows as a railroad shipping center and stopover for travelers crossing the desert.
The Victor Elementary School District is formed in 1906.
Early buildings still visible include the Hesperia Schoolhouse (Main St. and C Ave.).
1940s: War Changes Everything
1941: Victorville Army Airfield (later George Air Force Base) is established on the western edge of Victorville.The base brings thousands of military personnel, rapid infrastructure growth, and federal investment.
Apple Valley remains mostly desert ranchland, but interest grows due to its mild climate and open space.
1948–1950s: Apple Valley Booms
1948: Apple Valley Inn opens, built by Newt Bass and Bud Westlund to attract investors and wealthy land buyers.Stars like Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, and President Eisenhower stayed at the inn.
Murray’s Dude Ranch (founded earlier, 1920s–30s): One of the few Black-owned resorts in the country. It hosted African American guests during segregation and was used in Black-cast Western films.
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans purchase a ranch in Apple Valley and become its most notable residents, eventually opening Roy Rogers’ Apple Valley Inn.
1950s–1960s: Expansion and Identity
Hesperia Inn and the Hesperia Golf & Country Club try to rekindle resort dreams. Jack Dempsey, the former boxing champion, lends his name to a museum at the inn.Victorville grows with new housing and infrastructure to support the military population.
Route 66 runs right through Old Town Victorville, lined with diners, motels, and neon signs.
1970s–1980s: Steady Growth and Cultural Legacy
Apple Valley becomes a desirable retirement destination, marketing itself as a “Better Way of Life.”Civic leaders like Bud Westlund and Newton Bass help shape the town’s modern layout and community services.
The California Route 66 Museum opens in Victorville in a former café, preserving the highway’s local legacy.
1992–2000s: Transformation and Reinvention
1992: George Air Force Base closes under federal military restructuring, dealing a blow to Victorville’s economy.The base is repurposed into Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA), an international freight and aerospace hub.
Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Victorville begin to urbanize, growing into commuter towns for the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles area.
2000s–Present: Modern Challenges and Historic Preservation
Victor Valley College, founded in 1961, continues to serve the region.Old Town Victorville Revitalization Project aims to preserve the historic downtown.
Apple Valley promotes its Western heritage through the Happy Trails Highway and events honoring Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Hesperia Lake Park, Silverwood Lake, and local trails draw new visitors and recreation seekers.