Sell My Business Redlands - Professional Business Brokers

Redlands is a city in California’s San Bernardino County, situated approximately 45 miles west of Palm Springs and 63 miles east of Los Angeles. According to the 2010 census, Redlands has a population count of 68,747. An increase from the 2000 census, which had the city’s population at 63,591.

The location of Redlands used to be part of the Morongo and Aguas Calientes tribes of Cahuilla people’s territory. The Catholic influence only reached the indigenous people in the 1770s, when explorations by the likes of Francisco Garces and Pedro Fages tried to extend the religion’s influence to the local tribes. The region of the San Bernardino Valley (named after the Saint Bernardino of Siena) was chosen as a mission outpost in 1810 by Fr. Francisco Dumetz. The Franciscan friars from Mission San Gabriel embarked on a program that teaches the native tribes how to raise crops and establish permanent settlements. In 1822, the lands claimed by Spain was passed on to the custody of the Mexican government, including the areas that would eventually become Redlands.

It is said that the first settler on the land that would eventually become Redlands is a sheep herder, who has erected a hut at the location that would eventually become the corner of Cajon St. and Cypress Ave. The area soon attracted other settlers, including the area’s first school teacher, George W. Beattie.

The 1880s saw a land boom in the area, prompted by the arrival of the Southern Pacific and Atchsion, Santa Fe, and Topeka railroads. These railroads connected San Francisco to Southern California nad Salt Lake. The resulting land boom also saw many speculators arrive in the area that will eventually become known as the Inland Empire. The location is also an ideal site for citrus production because of the combination of access to water and a hot, dry climate. The city was eventually named Redlands, from the color of the adobe soil that is very prevalent in the area.

1888 saw the incorporation of the Redlands Street Railway Company, which began its initial operations in June of the succeeding year. They started with a single track line and two mule-team cars. Many of Redlands’ street railways would eventually be turned over to the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company for consolidation.

Community

During the turn of the 20th century, Redlands was considered as the “Palm Springs” of the next century, due to the prevalence of roses being planted in its many thoroughfares. Many of the rose plantings will survive as wild thickets well into the 70s, especially in areas where property management was lacking. The city has seen three visits from US Presidents. First was in 1901, by William McKinley. Next was in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt, and in 1909 by William Howard Taft.

The most popular landmarks in Redlands include the A.K. Smiley Public Library, which was first built in 1898, and the Redlands Bowl – the home of the oldest continuously free outdoor concert series in the country. Just behind the library is the Lincoln Shrine, which was built in honor of the U.S.’ 16th president. Redlands is also host to famous homes such as the Morey Mansion and the Kimberly Crest House and Gardens.

The mid-late 20th Century also saw Redlands become home of many light manufacturing firms and a bedroom community for numerous military personnel and contractor employees from the aerospace industry. The mid 90s saw a mild local economic recession, which led to a drop in the population as many residents chose to move out. The area has since recovered and is now on its way to continued growth in various sectors.

Recreation is also a huge focus in Redlands, with the city of Redlands owning and operating 24 public parks that total more than 0.58 square miles. These include popular locations such as the Brookside Park, the Caroline Park, the Crafton Park, and the San Timoteo Canyon Nature Preserve.