Ontario, California has a rich history dating back to the early days of the Spanish colonization of California. The area was first settled by the Tongva, a group of indigenous people who lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of the Europeans.
In 1810, the Spanish established a mission, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, in the area, which served as a center of religious and economic activity. Following the Mexican-American War in 1848, California became a U.S. territory and the area surrounding Ontario became a popular spot for American settlers.
In 1882, George Chaffey, a Canadian engineer, and his brother William Chaffey came to Southern California and purchased 8,000 acres of land in the Ontario area. They established the Ontario Model Colony, a planned community designed to attract working-class families from the East Coast. The colony was a success, and over the next few years, the population of Ontario grew rapidly.
In 1891, Ontario officially incorporated as a city. Over the next few decades, the city continued to grow and develop, with the establishment of new businesses, schools, and infrastructure. During World War II, Ontario played a key role in the war effort, with the establishment of several military bases and factories in the area.
In the post-war years, Ontario continued to grow and expand, becoming a major center for manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. Today, Ontario is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich history, a thriving economy, and a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
A historical image of Ontario
In 1810, the Spanish established a mission, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, in the area, which served as a center of religious and economic activity. Following the Mexican-American War in 1848, California became a U.S. territory and the area surrounding Ontario became a popular spot for American settlers.
In 1882, George Chaffey, a Canadian engineer, and his brother William Chaffey came to Southern California and purchased 8,000 acres of land in the Ontario area. They established the Ontario Model Colony, a planned community designed to attract working-class families from the East Coast. The colony was a success, and over the next few years, the population of Ontario grew rapidly.
In 1891, Ontario officially incorporated as a city. Over the next few decades, the city continued to grow and develop, with the establishment of new businesses, schools, and infrastructure. During World War II, Ontario played a key role in the war effort, with the establishment of several military bases and factories in the area.
In the post-war years, Ontario continued to grow and expand, becoming a major center for manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. Today, Ontario is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich history, a thriving economy, and a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
A historical image of Ontario