RIALTO - A SHORT HISTORY
History of the Rialto area dates back to 1500 A.D. when the Serrano Indians inhabited the area west of Lytle Creek. The Indians left prior to the emergence of the great Spanish Ranchos in the early 1830's.
Mormons arrived in 1851, purchased the San Bernardino Rancho and claimed portions of the Rialto area. Although the claims were not recognized by the U.S. government, the Mormons did clear a road, the beginning of the present Foothill Blvd., to make a more direct route to Cucamonga in 1853.
George Lord, in 1852, was the first to settle in the Rialto area. He produced and sold the muscat grape for eating and was first to produce marketable raisins made from the grape.
During the 1860’s and 70’s, many families moved to the area and citrus groves, vineyards, ranches and agriculture began to appear.
When the Santa Fe Railroad built the connector line between San Bernardino and L.A. by way of Pasadena in 1887, the land boom of the 80’s came to the area. The Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company bought 28,500 acres of land west of Lytle Creek. The company laid out the townsite of Rialto, began developing the town and built a canal to bring water from Lytle Creek.
A group of Kansas Methodists arrived in 1887, bought land from the water company and really started the town.
Two stories exist as to how Rialto was named. One says the name comes from Rio (river) and Alto (high) from the canal. Another story is that the daughter of an early settler named it after the famous Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy.
By 1890 the Lytle Creek Water and Improvement Company was formed to take over the rights to the water and to continue to improve the town.
In 1901 the first civic organization was formed to help with basic improvements. The Chamber of Commerce was formed from this group in 1907.
By 1911 the population had increased to 1500 with 40 businesses and a local paper, the Rialto Record. The chamber decided it was time to incorporate. Although strong opposition persisted, the election on October 31 was victorious.
Foothill Blvd. was improved in 1913 when it was designated part of the trans-continental Highway (Route 66). The Pacific Electric Railway completed its line through Rialto and speedy passenger service to L.A. and San Bernardino was offered.
Due to abundant water supplies from Lytle Creek, temperate winds and inexpensive land, the Rialto citrus industry developed rapidly. During the peak of production, seven packing houses were located in town. Most of the men worked for the industry and many of the women worked in the packing houses.
During the 20’s fire destroyed many of the town’s store buildings. The downtown area as it is known today began to develop after this time.
Many outstanding residents were instrumental in the development of civic, fraternal and youth organizations which began in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Civic minded citizens included H. Morgan, Merle Sweesy Casey, W.J.C. Trapp, L. Roy Bemis, Warren Frisbie and Carl Johnson, known as “Rialto’s Father of Recreation.”
The growth between 1953 and 1966 was phenomenal. Citrus disappeared and Rialto became a residential community. City officials and leading citizens worked hard to ensure that Rialto would keep up with its growth. City administration was expanded and programs to modernize equipment and methods were established.
The School District planned and built schools for its increased students.
Along with the expansion of the general aviation Rialto Municipal Airport is the present development of the adjacent 50-acre Industrial Park.
New residents continue to move to Rialto, attracted by the new homes, shopping centers, parks, golf courses and centralized location to the major recreational areas of Southern California.
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RIVERSIDE AVENUE LOOKING NORTH
FROM RIALTO AVENUE IN 1897
