Redlands is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 63,591.
History
The area now occupied by Redlands was originally part of the territory of the
Morongo and
Aguas Calientes tribes. After the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 1770s, it became part of the massive
Rancho San Bernardino, remaining a dusty patch of grazing land after
Mexican independence in 1821. Franciscan padres from San Gabriel came to the San Bernardino valley in 1820, establishing their Assistencia and embarking on the usual program of training the native tribes to raise crops and encouraging permanent settlements. In 1842, the Lugo family received a grant to a large tract in the area and this became the first fixed civilization. The area northwest of current Redlands, astride the
Santa Ana River, would become known as Lugonia. In 1851, the area received its first Anglo inhabitants in the form of several hundred
Mormon pioneers, who purchased the entire
Rancho San Bernardino, founded nearby
San Bernardino, and established a prosperous farming community watered by the many lakes and streams of the
San Bernardino Mountains. The Mormon community left wholesale in 1857, recalled to
Utah by
Brigham Young during the tensions with the federal government that ultimately led to the brief
Utah War. Benjamin Barton purchased from the Latter-day Saints and planted extensive vineyards and built a winery.
"The first settler on the site of the present Redlands is recorded to have erected a hut at the corner of what is now Cajon St. and Cypress Ave.; he was a sheep herder, and the year, 1865," reported Ira L. Swett in "Tractions of the Orange Empire."
In the 1880s, the arrival of the Southern Pacific and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroads, connecting Southern California to San Francisco and Salt Lake touched off a land boom, with land speculators such as John W. North flooding into the area now known as the Inland Empire. North and others saw the area, with its hot, dry climate and ready access to water supplies, as an ideal center for citrus production. The city of Redlands was soon established by Frank E. Brown, a civil engineer, and E. G. Judson, a New York stock broker, to provide a center (along with North's nearby settlement at Riverside) for the burgeoning citrus industry. They named their city “Redlands” after the color of the adobe soil.
The arrival of the Pacific Electric Railroad interurban railway of Los Angeles, in the early 20th century, provided a convenient, speedy connection to the fast-growing city and its new port at San Pedro, bringing even greater prosperity to the town and a new role as a vacation destination for wealthy Angelenos. Redlands, was, in fact, the eastern-most point of the "Big Red Car" system.
At the turn of the 1900s, Redlands was the "Palm Springs" of the next century, with roses being planted along many city thoroughfares. Some of these plantings would survive as wild thickets into the 1970s, especially adjacent to orange groves where property management was lax. Washingtonian palms were planted along many main avenues. In fact, Redlands was the first city to have center medians with trees or gardens in between roads.
Tree-lined State Street in downtown Redlands is still comprised primarily of beautiful historic buildings and locally-owned shops and boutiques. The city has been visited by three Presidents, President Mckinley was the first in 1901, followed by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1903 and President William H. Taft. Some of its most famous buildings, like A.K. Smiley Public Library, a Moorish-style library built in 1898, and the Redlands Bowl, built in 1930 and home of the oldest continuously free outdoor concert series in the United States, are mere steps from the center of town. Located behind the Smiley Library is the Lincoln Shrine, the only memorial honoring the "Great Emancipator", the sixteenth president, west of the Mississippi River. Other famous homes include “America’s Favorite Victorian,” the Morey Mansion, on Terracina Boulevard, and the Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, a home museum featured on the PBS series “America’s Castles.” Named after the family who purchased the house, the owners of Kimberly-Clark (makers of paper goods and Kleenex), it is a beautiful mansion set high on a hill overlooking the whole valley. The city continues to grow, maintaining its close-knit community and its sense in history. Redlands is still regarded as the "Jewel of the Inland Empire.
Geography
Redlands is located at (34.056563, -117.171449).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 92.5 km² (35.7 mi²). 91.9 km² (35.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it (0.76%) is water.
Demographics
As of the
census of 2000, there were 63,591 people, 23,593 households, and 16,019 families residing in the city. The
population density was 692.2/km² (1,793.1/mi²). There were 24,790 housing units at an average density of 269.8/km² (699.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.69%
White, 4.31%
African American, 0.94%
Native American, 5.12%
Asian, 0.23%
Pacific Islander, 11.33% from
other races, and 4.39% from two or more races.
Hispanic or
Latino of any race were 24.1% of the population. The approximate population is 72,008 (as of March 2008).
There were 23,593 households out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.2% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $58,155, and the median income for a family was $76,254. Males had a median income of $64,408 versus $52,122 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,237. About 2.7% of families and 1.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.
The 2008 population estimated by the California Department of Finance was 71,807.
Government
Federal
Redlands is located in
California's 41st congressional district, which has a
Cook PVI of R +9 and is represented by Republican
Jerry Lewis.
State
In the
state legislature Redlands is located in the 31st
Senate District, represented by
Republican Robert Dutton, and in the 59th, 63rd and 65th
Assembly Districts, represented by Republicans
Bob Margett,
Bill Emmerson, and
Paul Cook respectively.
Local
The city uses a Mayor and City-Council system, each serving a four year term.
Redlands Police & Fire Departments
The
Redlands Police Department serves the city of Redlands.
The
Redlands Fire Department protects the city from fires.
Healthcare facilities
Redlands, CA 92373
Education
Universities
District
Redlands Unified School District Private Education
Transportation
Coming west from Los Angeles and heading east toward Palm Springs, The I-10 bisects the city in two, right through the middle. A tempestuous political battle occurred in the 1950s when three routes for the new freeway were considered, one north of town through the Lugonia district, the center route through the city, and a southern alignment through San Timoteo Canyon, parallelling the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. The central route was finalized in 1957 and Redlands Mayor Charles Parker cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the new interstate on August 28, 1962. The new State Route 210 or Foothill Freeway ends at The 10 in Redlands, then heads west towards Pasadena and Los Angeles. The San Bernardino line of the Greater Los Angeles regional transportation system called Metrolink has a stop in nearby San Bernardino.
The San Bernardino based Omnitrans bus system which handles the bus service for the area serves Redlands.
Airports
Economy
Distribution Centers
Shopping in Redlands
Culture
City events
- Every February, the city hosts its annual Triathlon/Duathon.
- Every February, Area Scouts present the Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage since 1939.
- Every March or April, the city is host to the annual Redlands Bicycle Classic since 1984. It's the United States' largest road cycling event, a three-day event for the world's top professional and amateur male and female cyclists, featuring total prizes in excess of $50,000. During the weekend races, The Kiwanis Club of Redlands hosts its annual Pancake Breakfast for community bike race spectators and participants near the Start/Finish area.
- In late April or early May, the city has its annual Run Through Redlands since 1983.
- Every 4th of July, the city celebrates at Sylvan Park with activities, games, and Booths. There's also a traditional 4th of July Parade with Revolutionary dressed soldiers walking down University Street. Usually ending the day at the University of Redlands Ted Runner Stadium with a fireworks display by Pyro Spectaculars.
- Every Thursday, a Farmers' market is held in Downtown Redlands on State Street.
- Every May, the Redlands Shakespeare Festival stages three plays at the Redlands Bowl. In the summer it supports the Shakespeare for Children workshop, and throughout the year it engages in educational outreach to schools and other organizations.
- Every summer the Redlands Bowl has a musical.
- Every summer there are a number of plays held at Prospect Park
Museums
- Redlands Historical Museum, located inside the A.K. Smiley Library on the grounds of Smiley Park in downtown Redlands. The Museum will refurbish the old 1940 City Hall, now used as the Redlands Police Department as their new Museum Center. The Heritage Center holds various Pictures, Pamphlets, Maps, Yearbooks, Newspapers, manuscripts and books all relating to the rise of Redlands as a navel orange producing mecca to the close knit community is has become today.
- 30 Cajon Street Redlands, CA 92373

- San Bernardino County Museum, is a regional museum with exhibits and collections in cultural and natural history. Special exhibits, the Exploration Station live animal discovery center, extensive research collections, and public programs for adults, families, students, and children are all part of the museum experience. The SBCM also runs the San Bernardino de Sena Estancia.
- 2024 Orange Tree Lane Redlands, CA 92374

- Redlands Historical Glass Museum holds displays of American Glassware dating from the early 1800s to contemporary times. Displays include, glass from Heisey, Cambridge, Fenton Art Glass Company, Fostoria, and Sandwich factories as well as those that produced depression-era glassware. Items on display include candlesticks, compotes, milk glass, stems, bowls, historical plates, salts, kerosene lamps-and even several items from the estate of Liberace.
- 1157 Orange Street Redlands, CA 92373

Historic Structures
- Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, built in 1897 this French château-style home is preserved by the Kimberly-Shirk Association that was formed for that purpose. This three-story chateau is over 7,000 square feet and was originally built for Mrs. Cornelia A. Hill. In 1905 J. Alfred Kimberly (co-founder of Kimberly-Clark) purchased this home for his family. His daughter, Mary Kimberly Shirk, lived in the home until her death in 1979. Before she passed the majority of the grounds were sold to the City of Redlands to become a botanical park, now known as Prospect Park. After her death, the home was left to "the people of Redlands" and the monies from the sale of the park were used to create the Kimberly-Shirk Association that cares for the home and provides tours within.
- Edwards Mansion, built in 1890 by one of the founders of Redlands, Citrus grower James S. Edwards, this structure was originally used not as a family home but as a boarding house. Mr. Edwards used standard plans and built the house on a small rise on Cajon St. from where the young orange groves he planted could be seen in every direction. Eventually the Edwards family moved into the structure and occupied it continually until 1958 when Mrs. Edwards died. Almost a decade later, Plymouth Village acquired the home and used it for their business offices until it was acquired by the Edwards Mansion complex in 1973 for the large sum of one dollar. The structure was moved to its current location off of the 10 freeway and restored to serve its current purpose as a popular wedding location.
- Morey Mansion, built in 1890 with the proceeds from the sale of Sarah Morey's citrus nursery there is no known architect to this beautiful structure. David and Sarah Morey moved to Redlands in 1882 where David did carpentry work on many of the local structures and the Big Bear dam. Sarah started a citrus nursery using seeds from local growers that became one of the foremost citrus nurseries in the area. She eventually sold it and used 1/2 the proceeds to build their family home. After the Morey family sold the house it was alternatively a bed and breakfast and private residence and now serves both functions. Located on the bluffs overlooking San Timoteo Canyon it is known for its commanding view.
City Parks
The city of Redlands owns and operates 14 public parks totaling more than :
- Brookside Park: a neighborhood park with picnic and playground facilities. (Brookside Avenue between Terracina Boulevard and Bellevue Avenue)
- Caroline Park: a nature park with trails and open space planted with native California plants and a water conservation garden. It houses a large variety of animals. Especially active near sundown. (Sunset Drive and Mariposa Drive)
- Community Park: an park with lighted baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic and playground facilities. (San Bernardino Avenue and Church Street)
- Crafton Park: a -neighborhood park with lighted soccer field, picnic and playground facilities. (Wabash Avenue and Independence Avenue)
- Ed Hales Park: a downtown park with picnic facilities. (State Street and Fifth Street)
- Jennie Davis Park: a neighborhood park with picnic and playground facilities. (Redlands Boulevard and New York Street)
- Ford Park: a 27 acre park with two ponds for fishing, lighted tennis courts, picnic and playground facilities. (Redlands Boulevard and Ford Street)
- Franklin Park: a natural open space area. (Garden Street and Franklin Avenue)
- Prospect Park: an natural park with trails and picnic facilities. The park contains the Avice Meeker Sewall Theater, an outdoor amphitheater with seating for 407. (Cajon Street and Highland Avenue)
- San Timoteo Canyon Nature Preserve: a 40 acre natural preserve facility. (San Timoteo Canyon Road and Alessandro Road)
- Simonds Parkway: a neighborhood park. (Garden Street and Rossmont Drive)
- Smiley Park: a park at the Redlands Civic Center. This park is home to A.K. Smiley Public Library, a facility listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, containing the largest collection of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia west of the Mississippi River; and the Redlands Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater with seating for approximately 4,000 where summer concerts are performed each Tuesday and Friday evening during July and August. (Eureka Street and Vine Street). The Lincoln Shrine is host to the annual Boy Scout Pilgrimage to the Lincoln Shrine.
- Sylvan Park: a park with softball field, group and individual picnic areas and playground facilities. (Colton Avenue and University Street)
- Texonia Park: a neighborhood park with lighted softball field, basketball courts, picnic and playground facilities. (Texas Street and Lugonia Avenue)
- Redlands Sports Park: The facility includes soccer fields, softball fields, group picnic facilities, playground and recreations elements. (Wabash Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue) by Redlands Municipal Airport
Local Attractions
- Pharaohs Lost Kingdom: A premium theme and water park. The park includes GO-Cart raceways, bumper boats, miniature golf,an amplitheatre, and a water park.
Music in Redlands
Music in Redlandsis a foundation in redlands that is the head of all music programs mostly around the school district.
Media
- Benji Schwimmer, winner of Season 2 of the hit television show, So You Think You Can Dance currently resides in Redlands.
- Several scenes from How to Make an American Quilt (1995) were filmed in Redlands (all homes, not main set).
- Two episodes of the 1970s detective television program Cannon starring William Conrad were filmed in Redlands.
- The film Joyride was partially filmed at the U of R.
- Kimberly Crest has been featured in an episode of America's Castles.
- Majority of the movie Hell Night was shot in three locations: The outside of Garth Manor was shot at a mansion in Redlands, California. The Kimberly Crest mansion was converted from a private residence to a museum shortly after filming was completed.
- Scenes from the film Rules of Attraction were filmed at the University of Redlands.
- Scenes from the film How to Rob A Bank were filmed on Citrus Ave.
- Scenes from the film Slackers were filmed at University of Redlands
- Scenes from Unidentified were filmed in Redlands, including one outside the A.K. Smiley Library
- The Redlands Zip Code 92375 was used on Corey Haim's character Les Andersons's drivers license in the 1988 movie License to Drive.
- A house in Redlands was done on Extreme Home Makeover
Churches
Christian Fellowships
- The Packinghouse Christian Fellowship.
- Redlands Christian Center
- The Door Christian FellowshipBaptist
- First Baptist Church
- First Missionary Baptist Catholic
- The Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church of RedlandsChristian Scientist
- First Church of Christ, ScientistChristian & Missionary Alliance
- Redlands Alliance Bible Church Church of the Living God, Ground and Pillar of the Truth
- The Light of the World Covenant
- Restoration Covenant Church Episcopal
- Trinity Episcopal Church Evangelical Free Church
- Trinity Church Jehovah's Witnesses
- Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's WitnessesThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- The Redlands California Temple is the 116th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of four LDS temples in Southern California. It was dedicated on September 14, 2003.
- The Redlands, California stake encompasses LDS congregations in the cities of Redlands, Highland and Loma Linda. There are 7 congregations in Redlands and 2 in Highland.Lutheran
- First Lutheran Church
- Christ the King Lutheran ChurchMethodist
- First United Methodist Church
- University United Methodist Church
- Brookside Free MethodistPresbyterian
- First Presbyterian Church of Redlands
- Community Presbyterian Church of Redlands Reformed Church
- Bethany Reformed Church
- The River is the new name for the first Christian Reformed Church in California
- Hope Protestant Reformed Church Salvation Army
- Redlands Salvation ArmyUnaffiliated
- Church on the Hill
- Oasis
- First Congregational Church Of Redlands.United Church of Christ
- Redlands United Church of ChristWesleyan-Holiness
- Redlands Church of the Nazarene.
Famous residents
- Joan Baez, folksinger, attended Redlands High School
- Neal T. Baker, founder of Baker's Drive Thru
- Brian Billick, former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens
- Harry Blackstone Jr., professional magician
- Hugh "Lumpy" Brannum, actor, Mr. Green Jeans on Captain Kangaroo
- Jack Dangermond, founder of ESRI
- Landon Donovan, professional soccer player for the Los Angeles Galaxy and the US National Team
- James Fallows, journalist for The Atlantic Monthly
- Davey Faragher, musician with Elvis Costello
- David Lowery, musician/lead singer for Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker
- Johnny Hickman, musician, guitarist for Cracker
- Taylor Horn, singer-songwriter and actress
- Jeremy Ito, placekicker for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team
- Patrick Johnson, professional football player for the Baltimore Ravens
- John Jorgenson, guitar virtuoso with the Desert Rose Band, the Hellecasters, the John Jorgenson Quintet, and six-year member of Elton John's tour band - attended Moore Junior High, and Redlands High Schools
- Jerry Lewis, congressman, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee
- Benji Schwimmer, winner of the second season of So You Think You Can Dance
- Dave Stockton, professional golfer
- Mark Teahen, professional baseball player for the Kansas City Royals
- Joan Tewkesbury, American film director
- Josh Whitesell, professional baseball player for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Sister Cities
Redlands has two
sister cities, as designated by
Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI):
See also
References
External links