Kelso Depot, Restaurant and Employees Hotel
a.k.a. Kelso Depot; Kelso Station
Kelbaker Rd., jct. of Kelbaker and Cima Rds. at Union Pacific Railroad crossing, Kelso, CA Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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.
San Bernardino County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of San Bernardino County, California.
- 1810: San Bernardino County is established as part of Mexico's Alta California territory.
- 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, transferring ownership of San Bernardino County to the United States.
- 1851: San Bernardino County is officially recognized as a county in the state of California.
- 1860: Silver mining booms in the region, leading to a population increase and economic growth.
- 1883: The Southern Pacific Railroad arrives in San Bernardino, boosting trade and transportation in the area.
- 1906: The National Old Trails Road, a precursor to Route 66, is established, further enhancing road travel through the county.
- 1940: The construction of military bases in the county, such as the Marine Corps Air Station in Twentynine Palms, supports the war effort during World War II.
- 1966: The completion of Interstate 10 makes San Bernardino County a key transportation corridor connecting Southern California to the rest of the country.
- 1989: The devastating Loma Prieta earthquake in neighboring Northern California prompts increased earthquake preparedness efforts in San Bernardino County.