Palm Springs has a rich, diverse and fascinating history. It began 10,000 years ago in the Stone Age, when the area was inhabited by an ancient tribe using bows and arrows and weaving baskets. The area began to flourish when the first American explorers made their way to the Coachella Valley in 1853. The area went from one watering hole to an international vacation paradise!

This mineral spring, nestled within two bunches of palm trees, was discovered in 1853 by William Blake, an exploring geologist. Excited to find water, he and his team established the first wagon trail which made way for the Bradshaw Stage Coach line which brought more visitors to the Coachella valley. As more visitors came to the valley, the construction of a railroad line by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company gave way for construction of a true settlement.

The first hotel, appropriately named The Palm Springs Hotel, was built to hold a mere 26 visitors to the area, but that was all it took. This was the beginning of something wonderful in the Coachella Valley. In the early 1900’s, as more visitors came to the area, a post office, school and even a more fitting hotel was built. The El Mirador Hotel was built to accommodate up to 300 guests flowing into the desert area at that time. In the mid-thirties, a committee was formed that led to the incorporation of the little community into the city now known as Palm Springs, California.

The forties held a different fate for desert oasis. During World War II, General George Patton brought in troops and transformed the El Mirador Hotel into a medical hospital, creating the need for the Palm Springs Airport, now a major center for international travel through the city. During the next few decades, Hollywood discovered the little vacation spot and soon became a favorite among the Tinsel Town Elite. Stars such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope came to blow off steam and party in the sun. Their homes are still available for rent here in the valley. During the seventies, the retirees flocked here for the warm, dry weather and friendly atmosphere, bringing many more full time residents to the valley.

In the last few decades, Palm Springs has become known across the globe as a world class vacation destination. Today it is a growing Mecca for residents and vacationers alike. Palm Springs has become a popular vacation destination hot spot for Hollywood’s elite as well as everyday, hardworking families. The town features hundreds of hotels, motels, resorts, spas and vacation homes, offering lodging for the regular folks and the rich and famous. The addition of a number of Indian Casinos from the local tribes have made it a gambler’s paradise. The town has become a favorite among golfers, ofering over 300 world-class courses in the Coachella Valley. The town’s dining and entertainment have become well known world-wide, accommodating many thousands of visitors every year. Its amazing to think that this international vacation destination all began with the discovery of a mineral spring among a few palm trees!

Popularity: 4% [?]