Introduction to Hesperia, California
Seated in the Mojave Desert 78 miles northeast of Los Angeles is the California city of Hesperia. Located in San Bernardino County, Hesperia is serviced by U.S. Route 395 as well as Interstate I-15 and California State Highway 18. Surrounding communities include Victorville (to the north), Wrightwood (to the west), Crestline (to the south) and Apple Valley (to the east).
Hesperia History
Hesperia, translated from Greek as "West," received its name officially in 1885 upon completion of the Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad depot marking the area. Shortly thereafter, the Hesperia Land and Water Company was formed for the purpose of creating a town. In the late 19th century, agriculture took root in the area, primarily in the form of grape farming. The mid-20th century saw a boom in land sales by investors attracted by the affordability of land in the area, a trend which has somewhat lasted to the present day. In 1988, Hesperia became incorporated as a city.
Things To Do In Hesperia
Every fall, the city celebrates its heritage at the annual Hesperia Days festival. The event, held at Hesperia's own man-made lake on the southeastern edge of the city, features a rodeo, parade, and fireworks display. Also taking place lakeside are the city's Fourth of July festivities, along with a variety of other town activities. Other Hesperia attractions include the Cinema Safari Zoo, housing exotic animals used for educational programs and movie and television productions, and Cal-Earth (The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture). Sports fans have an area professional baseball team only minutes away: The High Desert Mavericks, the Class Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners.