Victorville - Key City of the High Desert
The city of Victorville was incorporated on September 21, 1962, but its history goes back over 100 years, when the first settlers of European descent arrived.
Originally, in 1885, the community was known as Victor. It was named after Jacob Nash Victor, a construction superintendent for the California Southern Railroad (Santa Fe Railroad). The abundance of good water and the availability of rich bottom lands led to agricultural development shortly after the establishment of the railroad depot. Near the turn of the century, large deposits of limestone and granite were discovered. Since then the cement manufacturing industry has emerged as the single most important industry of the Victor Valley.
In 1901, the United States Post Office changes the city's name from "Victor" to "Victorville" due to the confusion associated with the community of Victor, Colorado.
In 1926, U.S. Route 66 was established, which was one of the main arteries of the National Highway System linking Chicago, Illinois, with California.
During World War II, initial construction of Victorville Army Base began in 1941 and was completed in 1943. The airfield was later renamed George Air Force Base. When fully activated, the base supported two Tactical Fighter Wings of the Tactical Air Command whose primary aircraft was the F-4 Phantom and it employed approximately 6,000 civilian and military personnel. Upon its closure in 1992, the city annexed the base into the City in 1993, and renamed it the Southern California Logistics Airport.
Victorville's sights of interest include the Performing Arts Center, located on the Victor Valley College campus. This center provides a wide variety of cultural entertainment including concerts, speakers, plays, musicals, and more.
Old Town Victorville boasts an eclectic selection of antique stores and specialty shops and is home to the nostalgic Route 66 Museum. The Victor Valley Museum, located at Jess Ranch in Apple Valley, provides a look at local history, and the Apple Valley Science and Technology Center gives kids of all ages a glimpse of the future.
And every year, the San Bernardino County Fair in Victorville livens up each spring with carnival rides, livestock competitions, exhibits, a rodeo, a demolition derby, celebrity concerts and much more. Throughout the year the fairgrounds plays host to many other activities including the annual High Desert Opportunity Business Outlook Conference, Home and Garden Show, and Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.
Come and experience Victorville for yourself!
Source: City of Victorville and Wikipedia Encyclopedia
