| TheBBBBBB History of Pam Springs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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PALM SPRINGS HISTORY When the Spaniards arrived, the Indians were taught to grow corn, squash, beans, and melons. They later cultivated orchards and began raising cattle and horses. By the turn of the century, Agua Caliente (as Palm Springs was called in the 1800s) fell victim to the great small pox epidemic of 1862 and the Indians lost a large number of their tribe because of their close association with white people . By 1884, about 70 Indians were left living in the Palm Springs area; in 1925, only 50 remained. Today the tribe numbers 240 members and the tribe is growing. . As Palm Springs grew, it soon became apparent that the village needed zoning restrictions and other types of controls. In November, 1936, a committee to study incorporation was formed. A 1939 census numbered 5,336 year-round residents with a seasonal jump to over 8,000 people.Then, Hollywood discovered Palm Springs and tourists from all parts of the country discovered the desert playground. During World War II, life in Palm Springs slowed, but following the end of the war, life picked up right where it left off. Edgar Bergen, who had a ranch east of Thunderbird, developed the 1,600 acres used by General Patton's tank repair facility during the war. With partners, he formed the Palm Desert Corporation. Fire Cliff Lodge and the Shadow Mountain Club, several office buildings, and a few homes were built. Thirty years later this area would become the basis of the city of Palm Desert. Celebrities began buying property and building vacation homes . The Gabor family built up on the hill. Kirk Douglas moved into the Las Palmas area and Frank Sinatra built a large house on Alejo. Bob Hope, a longtime resident, was appointed Honorary Mayor. Palm Springs became known as the "Golf Capital of the World ." Polo, popular before the war, was revived, and tennis tournaments at the Racquet Club and Tennis Club brought the city worldwide acclaim. President´s Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Palm Springs, but Dwight D. Eisenhower put Palm Springs "on the map" with his visit in 1954. Harry Truman also spent considerable time in the village during this period. By December 9, 1962, when John F. Kennedy came to town on the first of several trips, villagers considered themselves experienced presidential hosts President Gerald Ford had visited Palm Springs during his term as Vice President. When his term of office as president expired in 1976, he returned to build a home next to Ambassador Leonard Firestone's house at Thunderbird. Before his passing, the Fords have been very active in all valley events, appearing at groundbreakings, hotel openings, and charitable balls. The president played in all major golf tournaments. Mrs. Ford brings considerable recognition to the valley through her alcoholic and drug center in Rancho Mirage. . . Come to the Village of Palm Springs and feel the weight of the world float away. The desert air is fragrant with wildflowers and you can let your eyes rest on the sheltering mountains while you listen to the romantic whispers of the palm trees rustling in the soft breeze. There is something for everyone in Palm Springs, which is a year round vacation destination. There is: sunning, shopping, golfing, hiking, biking, exploring, gaming, modern architecture, cultural and ethnic events, tennis, nightlife, people watching, eco-tourism and of course the natural beauty that will surround you. Palm Springs is home to many popular desert attractions including the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway and Knott´s Soak City Waterpark. Palm Springs Desert Museum is an exhibit of Western and Contemporary art with natural science and performing arts in the Annenberg Theater. The Palm Springs Air Museum showcases flying aircraft from World War II. North America´s largest palm oasis is located here at the Indian Canyons which is owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Palm Springs International Film Festival attracts stars and cutting edge films. There is the impressive Palm Springs Convention Center, The Palm Springs Follies and of course the weekly Village Fest on Thursday nights. All these attractions magnetically bring in bundles of international travelers and locals alike. The city boasts more than 140 hotels that range from modest to exclusive. Small bed and breakfasts and charming country inns abound as do sunny resorts, secluded spa hotels, and for those in search of the best of the best, there are luxurious private compounds frequented by stars and jet?setters from around the globe. Palm Springs gained prominence as a celebrity hangout back in the 1920´s. Celebrity photographs continue to adorn the walls of many local businesses. The Movie Colony, a fashionable residential district built by the movers and shakers of the movie industry, continues to draw interest from real estate-savvy investors eager to renovate these properties full of historical significance. Young professionals, Baby Boomers and gay couples have discovered the village-like intimacy of Palm Springs and are buying and restoring homes here. The mid-century modern homes are of high demand. City leaders are well aware of Palm Springs´ unique ambience and they are counting on it to attract new residents for the future. With this in mind there are plans to build home/studio loft spaces in the heart of downtown and elsewhere. The urbanizing touches will add to Palm Springs´ uniqueness among the desert cities. In 1995 there were approximately 200,000 people living in this land of Paradise. In 2006 the population had grown to over 330,00, and it is expected to double that figure by 2010. One of the attractions to the desert, in addition to enjoying summer all winter long, is the deserts proximity to other areas. Like to ski?? You and your family can be skiing in just 1.5 hours from our desert floor in the Big Bear Mountains. Don't forget the Palm Springs aRising 8500 feet above the desert floor, the Palm Springs Tramway offers access to hiking and camping trips in this famous San Jacinto state park Another great spot to visit is Lake Arrowhead, which is referred to as "The Alps of Southern California." which is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. The beautiful Pacific Ocean and its many well-known towns that hug the coastal line are only a two hour drive from the desert. Las Vegas and Phoenix are also a four hour drive from the desert. The desert offers "Big City" amenities in a "Small City" atmosphere. Many of those who have moved to this "land of paradise," have moved here to escape the smog and the traffic which is so much a part of Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Many "snowbirds," from all over the United States, Canada and Europe have also discovered the desert, and they make this their "winter home." In spite of the population doubling at this time, the cities and the County of Riverside have worked diligently to be a "step ahead" of the infrastructure, to ensure residents of ample roads and highways, so as not to create the traffic jams so prevalent in other areas of California. Population Increase in 2006 as compared to 2000:
A great addition to the Valley is the new California State University, San Bernardino- which is centrally located in Palm Desert, along with Riverside's Richard J. Heckmann International Center for Entrepreneurial Management's campus. College students, as well as adults, have only a few miles to travel to meet many of their educational needs. This growth in our college campuses and brought many businesses nd job opportunities to the desert. well.
PALM SPRINGS AT A GLANCE |
