San Bernardino City

San Bernardino City Municipal Water Report Information

About San Bernardino: A Historical Overview

The City of San Bernardino boasts a rich heritage of cultural diversity. The influences of Native Americans, Mexican settlers, Spanish missionaries, and Mormon settlers remain visible throughout the city today. From 1810, when Franciscan missionary Father Dumetz named the region San Bernardino, to the present day, this area—nestled south of the San Bernardino Mountains and west of the lower desert—has been recognized for its scenic beauty and strategic location. Currently, San Bernardino serves as the county seat and is the largest municipality in San Bernardino County with over 213,000 residents.

Core Values and Vision

We envision a world-class city that leverages its location, diverse population, and economic foundations to create extensive opportunities for residents in how they live, work, and enjoy leisure time. Our community strives for a sustainable ecosystem of quality education, public health, safety, housing, retail, entertainment, arts, culture, and infrastructure.

We aim to foster a vibrant economy with skilled workforce development that attracts employers seeking unique opportunities while providing jobs that create community-wide prosperity. Our governance model emphasizes transparency, ethics, and collaborative relationships between sectors to achieve shared goals.

Economic Goals for 2018/19

• Implement the city's vision by ensuring all staff understand the direction set by civic leadership
• Enhance public safety through targeted programs that reduce crime in residential and commercial areas
• Create, maintain, and expand employment opportunities through clear policy direction and efficient processes
• Develop well-planned, balanced, and sustainable city infrastructure supporting long-term growth
• Improve government operations through clear roles and increased collaboration between departments
• Maintain fiscal responsibility through implementation of the Plan of Adjustment
• Pursue city objectives through cooperation with federal, state, regional, and tribal agencies

Historical Context

San Bernardino's earliest European presence began in the early 19th century with Spanish missionaries. Mission "Bernardino" was established in 1810, with missionaries and native populations developing irrigation systems from Mill Creek. Following California's transfer to Mexican territory in 1822, the mission era concluded, giving way to the era of Spanish Rancheros.

The abandoned Mission San Bernardino quickly became "San Bernardino Rancho," granted to the Lugo Brothers in 1842. It developed into a significant post along the Spanish Trail frequented by pioneers like Kit Carson and Jedediah Strong. After California joined the United States in 1848, many rancheros departed due to ongoing conflicts. The Lugo brothers eventually sold the ranch to 500 Mormon settlers in 1852, who established "Fort San Bernardino" and formally incorporated the city in 1854 with 1,200 residents.

The late 19th century brought major railroad development, transforming San Bernardino from a quiet town into a bustling commercial hub. Santa Fe, Union Pacific, and Southern Pacific all established operations, making the city the center of their Southern California networks. When Santa Fe created a cross-country connection in 1886, the already prosperous valley experienced tremendous growth, with population doubling between 1900 and 1910.

Today, San Bernardino continues to evolve as a modern urban center with promising prospects, maintaining the enduring spirit and vitality of its pioneering founders.