City history
From its citrus-rich origins along the Santa Ana River to its growth as a California hub, Riverside offers a unique glimpse into the rhythmic history of the American West.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Near the river"
The settlement was named for its geographic position adjacent to the Santa Ana River, which provided vital water for early agriculture and settlement development.
Location near the river
The name was chosen to highlight the area's proximity to the river's resources during its initial stages of development and settlement.
Chapter two
The railroad industry and US government standardized time, placing the region within the Pacific Time zone for synchronized travel and commerce.
The United States implemented daylight saving time for the first time to conserve energy and resources during the era of World War I.
Chapter three
The settlement of Riverside was officially established, beginning its long journey as a key California community in the late nineteenth century.
The successful cultivation of citrus fruits began transforming the local economy and the landscape of the Inland Empire forever.
The founding of the California Fruit Growers Exchange, later known as Sunkist, revolutionized the local citrus trade and economic structure.
The establishment of the University of California, Riverside, marked a new era of academic excellence and scientific research for the region.
The Riverside International Raceway became a world-renowned venue for motorsports, drawing racing enthusiasts from across the globe during its peak.