Learn the Rich History of the Paradise Called Palm Springs

Palm Springs is nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountain in Riverside County. But it's much more than just a city next to a mountain range. The city has a rich, vibrant history dating back 10,000 years. Evidence has been found recently that an ancient Indian tribe that used bows and arrows and weaved baskets survived for a thousand years in the area now called Palm Springs! The real beginning takes root in the mid 1800's and had helped this city grow into an international vacation oasis in the desert.

In 1853, William Blake, a geologist, while exploring, discovered a mineral pool under the desert sand. His team established a wagon route through the local mountain pass. It later became a part of the Bradshaw Stage Coach Line. Years later, the Southern Pacific Railroad built a railroad line allowing for more expansion. During this time, the Indians were given every even parcel of land, which stands today and is the reason why many areas in Palm Springs are either empty or are now leased land from the Indian Tribes. That mineral spring in the heart of the desert helped Palm Springs get its name.

The Palm Springs Hotel was the first hotel built in the year 1886 and held only 26 guests. This was the beginning of a huge trend that has been built over the years, making Palm Springs the destination that it is in today's world. Once the hotel was established, other buildings started emerging, including a post office as people chose to settle. The first newspaper and school were established in the early 1900's and the El Mirador hotel was built, holding up to 300 visitors to the area. A little town had emerged in the middle of the desert!

Once the war ended, Palm Springs returned to its roots, offering an oasis in the desert for travelers. The 50's and 60's offered a desert playground to many of the Hollywood Elite including Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. These stars' homes are still rented out by travelers coming to the desert today. In the seventies, retirees began flocking to the desert, turning the tiny town into a flourishing economy. Today, the city of Palm Springs offers world-class entertainment of all types for a wide variety of visitors.

Palm Springs now offers over 300 world-class golf courses hosting major tournaments. There are hundreds of lodging establishments from motel to hotels, and vacation rental homes have become a booming industry for comfort and style while traveling here. The Indian Tribes have established gaming as a major attraction for gamblers and folks coming just for the world-class entertainment. The city features a variety of outdoor entertainment including balloon rides, hiking and motor biking and of course, sunbathing under the desert sun! This international vacation destination brings pleasure to visitors from all parts of the world wanting fun in the sun shining 362 days of the year. They come for the fun and many travelers end up making this city their home.