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Nestled in one of Southern Californiaas deep mountain passes, Cherry Valley has long been heralded for its pastoral beauty. The Cahuilla Indians were the first to inhabit the area, followed by Gold Rush settlers. In 1853, Dr. Isaac Smith built the first ranch here, which was later used by the Butterfield Overland Stage as a stop between San Bernardino and Yuma, Arizona. Smithas Station, as the ranch was known, became an important link for passenger and mail service between Southern California and the rest of the nation, slowly developing into a successful hotel and eventually a resort. The valley was named for its abundance of cherry trees, and in 1914, the community celebrated its first cherry festival, a tradition that continues today. Cherry Valley residents are particularly proud of their community and are dedicated in maintaining the rural residential and agricultural lifestyle they so dearly cherish.
About the author
Author Kenneth M. Holtzclaw is a board member of the San Gorgonio Pass Historical Society and author of several Arcadia books. Tom Chong is a member of the same historical society and highly active in the community's many events, including the annual Cherry Festival and Stage Coach Days. Many of these never-before-seen photographs come from members of the community, the Edward Dean Museum, and the San Gorgonio Pass Historical Society.
