Apple Valley History

Apple Valley became an official town in 1988, but its history goes back much further. Historians found signs of Serrano Indian camps along the Mojave River. They were here when Father Francisco Garces arrived in 1776 to establish Spanish missions. In the late 1800s, Paiute Indians also came to this area. The Mojave River Trail saw trappers, gold prospectors, pack mules, and Mormon wagon trains. Over 13,000 people passed through between 1849 and 1859. Silas Cox built the first cabin in Apple Valley in 1860, and the first road was made the next year.

There are many stories about how Apple Valley got its name. Mary Hampton, a local historian, said it was because of the apple orchards in the 1920s. Some say it came from The Appleton Land Company in the early 1900s. Ursula Poates, one of the first settlers, said, “There were some apples being raised along the river in those early days, but not by the ton, so I just cut it down and called it Apple Valley!” By 1920, apples were grown by the ton at award-winning orchards. But the Great Depression and the cost of pumping water killed the orchards in the 1930s.

Apple Valley had a pleasant climate and lots of land. Many ranches were built here. They said the dry desert air could cure ailments like tuberculosis and asthma. Some ranches helped shell-shock victims of World War I. Others became guest ranches. People came to Apple Valley to enjoy the western lifestyle. They could ride horses, attend rodeos, and escape the big city.

Newton T. Bass and B.J. “Bud” Westlund were the modern founders of Apple Valley. They were partners in the oil and gas industry in Long Beach, CA. They formed the Apple Valley Ranchos Land Co. in 1946. They marketed the area as a resort and residential community. They called it “The Golden Land of Apple Valley”. They built the Apple Valley Inn and Hilltop House. Famous Hollywood celebrities visited. Within ten years, there were banks, churches, a school, a golf course, a hospital, and 180 businesses.