San Dimas Early History

The earliest occupants of what is now known as San Dimas were Gabrieleño Indians, believed to have lived in the area along with other tribes for over 7,000 years before the first white explorers came to the area in the mid-1700's. The first known exploration of the area was in 1774, when Juan Bautista De Anza passed through the area when traveling to Monterey from Mexico. The community originally developed in the early 1800's, when it was known as Mud Springs, so named because of local mud springs that made the area wet and swampy. Soon after, ranchers and other settlers began to populate the area, but it was the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1887 that Mud Springs was first mapped. The resulting land boom resulted in the formation of the San Jose Ranch Company, which first laid out streets. Small businesses began to open soon thereafter, and the city took on a new name: San Dimas. Growth was rapid, and San Dimas soon became an agricultural community, with oranges the major crop until the mid-1900's. San Dimas incorporated as a city in 1960.

Today, San Dimas thrives with a small town atmosphere and large flourishing parks and canyons.  The city caters to it's equestrian roots as you can see from the white picket fences and horse trails throughout the city. San Dimas features regular car shows in historic down town,farmers market, art show and the yearly rodeo.   The schools are also rated high in the nation.  See school links.