Family Home of B.J. Westlund, then Roy Rogers

San Bernardino County is located in Southern California and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was home to Native American tribes such as the Serrano and Cahuilla tribes, who lived off the land and had a close connection to their surroundings. European explorers reached the area in the late 18th century, with Spanish missionaries creating missions and settlements in the region.

In the early 19th century, the area became part of Mexico following its independence from Spain. It was during this time that San Bernardino County got its name, named after the Mission San Bernardino established by the Spanish. However, the Mexican influence in the region was short-lived, as the United States acquired the land as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War.

With the arrival of American settlers in the mid-19th century, San Bernardino County's population began to grow rapidly. The discovery of gold in the nearby Calico Mountains in the 1880s attracted prospectors and fortune-seekers to the area. The growth of the mining industry brought wealth and development to the county. In addition to mining, agriculture also played a significant role in the county's economy, with citrus groves and vineyards becoming prominent.

The county experienced a boom in the mid-20th century with the development of transportation and defense industries. The construction of Route 66 in the 1920s and the opening of the San Bernardino International Airport in the 1940s contributed to the growth of trade and travel. During World War II, military installations were established in the county, creating employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. Today, San Bernardino County is one of the largest counties in the United States by area and continues to be a hub for various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, and tourism.