Looking Back Over the Years

This begins a year-long celebration of the City of Hesperia’s 20th anniversary since incorporation. To commemorate this event, each issue of the Horizon in 2008, will include an article highlighting important historical events that have shaped us into the City we are today.

From the Beginning

The City’s history stretches far beyond its 1988 incorporation. Hesperia’s past is rich with the history of the Mojave Indian Tribe, Spanish settlers and the westward travelers of the Mormon Trail.

The first major turning point in present day Hesperia occurred in 1874, when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad tracks were completed. This resulted in Hesperia’s first industry, providing juniper wood to bakers in Los Angeles by way of train. Juniper is a very hard wood that was used as fuel for kilns up until the early 1900’s, when oil became the principal fuel for bakers.

That change in technology did not slow Hesperia’s progress. The 1900’s were a booming time with the increased popularity of automobiles and Route 66. The City served as the last stopping point before travelers made the treacherous trip down the Cajon Pass.

City of Hesperia Prepares to Celebrate 20 Years
“Celebrating our past while building our future.”
The City of Hesperia celebrated 20 years of change and growth on June 28, 2008. Beginning as a stopping place along the Mojave River; through the Wild West years; developed as the “great escape from LA”; to incorporation in 1988, Hesperia has earned its name “star of the west”. A thriving community to over 90,000 residents, the City of Hesperia enjoys clear air, fine weather and plenty of wide open spaces. Join us for a daylong anniversary celebration and discover why so many people choose to come home to Hesperia, the gateway to the High Desert.

The Celebration took place at the new Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, located just west of City Hall. Thousands joined us for a trip down memory lane, celebrating Hesperia’s past, present and future, with a day of patriotism and fun, featuring festivities including:

• Military Recognition Ceremony
• Swing Music Featuring “Wiseguys”
• Police & Safety Fair
• Sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off
• Vendors
• Patriotic Wagon Contest & Children’s Patriotic Parade
• Kid’s Activities & Magic Show
• Face Painting & Balloon Art
• Bounce Houses
• Evening Concert Featuring “Beatless”
• Fireworks Display

Regardless of the season, the growing City of Hesperia offers a centralized location for a wide variety of nearby activities for you and your family to enjoy.