County of San Bernardino

County of San Bernardino
Name	County of San Bernardino
Settlement type	County
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	California
Seat	San Bernardino
Largest city	Fontana
Area total sq mi	20770
Population total	2221014
Population as of	2020
Founded	1853
Website	www.sbcounty.gov

County of San Bernardino

The County of San Bernardino is a county in the southern U.S. state of California that covers the largest land area of any county in the contiguous United States and includes a mix of urban centers, desert basins, and mountain ranges. The county seat is San Bernardino and major cities include Riverside-adjacent communities, Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, and Hesperia. Its jurisdiction spans portions of the Inland Empire, the Mojave Desert, and the San Bernardino Mountains.

History

The region was originally inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Shoshone, Cahuilla, Serrano, and Chemehuevi before European contact and Mission-era expansion led by Junípero Serra and Spanish colonizers. The area later became part of Alta California under New Spain and then Mexican California following the Mexican War of Independence. After the Mexican–American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the territory was ceded to the United States and organized during the California Gold Rush era alongside counties like Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County (founded in 1853). Early economic drivers included stages on the Mormon Road, the Santa Fe Railroad arrival, and mining booms in the Calico Mountains and Silverwood. The growth of railroads such as the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and the development of irrigation projects tied to figures like Mormon settlers and entrepreneurs influenced settlement patterns. Twentieth-century events including wartime production at facilities tied to Wright R-3350 era manufacturing, the postwar suburbanization influenced by Interstate 10 and Interstate 15, and municipal changes involving cities like San Bernardino and Ontario shaped modern governance and urban form.

Geography and Climate

San Bernardino County encompasses diverse physiographic provinces including the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Desert, the San Bernardino Mountains, and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains. Notable landmarks within county boundaries include Mount San Gorgonio, Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree National Park (shared jurisdiction), and the Mojave National Preserve edges. The county contains sections of the San Andreas Fault system and experiences seismic activity associated with the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate boundary. Climate ranges from Mediterranean climates in valley cities like Redlands and Yucaipa to alpine climates near Lake Arrowhead and arid desert climates in Barstow and Needles. Hydrology is influenced by watersheds feeding the Santa Ana River and by reservoirs such as Lake Perris and Silverwood Lake used for regional water management tied to entities like the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Demographics

The county's population is diverse and includes large communities of Latino, Non-Hispanic White Americans, African American, Asian American, and Native peoples such as Serrano and Cahuilla. Major population centers include Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, and San Bernardino. Census trends reflect growth related to suburbanization from the Los Angeles metropolitan area and inland migration influenced by housing markets, employment in logistics hubs like the Ontario International Airport and distribution centers for companies such as Walmart, Amazon, and Target. Social indicators and health initiatives involve collaborations with institutions such as the California Department of Public Health, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and local public health departments.

Government and Politics

County governance operates through a five-member Board of Supervisors with elected supervisors representing districts, while municipal governments include San Bernardino and others with mayor-council systems. Law enforcement is provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and court functions occur in facilities of the San Bernardino Superior Court. The county interacts with state agencies like the California State Legislature and federal representation includes members of the United States House of Representatives serving congressional districts overlapping county territory. Political dynamics have been influenced by regional issues involving water rights litigations connected to the Colorado River, land use disputes near the Mojave National Preserve, and ballot measures affecting taxation and public pensions overseen by systems such as the California Public Employees' Retirement System.

Economy and Infrastructure

The county economy includes logistics and warehousing clusters anchored by the Ontario International Airport and railyards on lines like the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway. Manufacturing sectors historically tied to companies such as Del Taco origins and aerospace contractors operate alongside distribution centers for Costco Wholesale Corporation, Home Depot, and Nike, Inc. Logistics corridors follow Interstate 10, Interstate 15, and State Route 210 supporting freight movements to ports including the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach. Energy infrastructure includes regional utilities such as Southern California Edison and SDG&E interconnections, while renewable projects intersect with state initiatives like the California Renewable Portfolio Standard. Land use patterns reflect a mix of agricultural areas producing citrus in places like San Bernardino Valley, resort economies at Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, and military-related sites historically linked to installations such as March Air Reserve Base.

Transportation

Regional mobility includes intercity services by Metrolink commuter rail on lines connecting Los Angeles Union Station with stations in Ontario, Fontana, and San Bernardino, as well as Amtrak routes such as the Southwest Chief serving Fullerton-adjacent corridors. Major freeways include Interstate 10, Interstate 15, Interstate 215, and State Route 60, with freight rail links via Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway. Air travel centers on Ontario International Airport and general aviation fields including Southern California Logistics Airport and proximity to Los Angeles International Airport. Regional transit agencies include Omnitrans, Victor Valley Transit Authority, and Mountain Transit serving mountain communities.

Education

Higher education institutions within and near the county include California State University, San Bernardino, University of California, Riverside (nearby), San Bernardino Valley College, Chaffey College, and satellite campuses of for-profit and community colleges. K–12 public education is administered by districts such as the San Bernardino City Unified School District, Fontana Unified School District, and Redlands Unified School District. Research partnerships and workforce development programs link to entities like the California Community Colleges system and state agencies including the California Department of Education.

Culture and Recreation

Cultural institutions include the San Bernardino County Museum, California Theatre, and performing arts centers in Ontario and Victorville. Annual events and venues include fairs like the San Bernardino County Fair, historic sites such as the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel-era landmarks, and sports teams affiliated with venues hosting events for minor league clubs and college athletics from institutions like California State University, San Bernardino. Outdoor recreation draws visitors to Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Big Bear Lake, and trails on San Gorgonio Mountain frequented by hikers from the Los Angeles Basin and the Inland Empire.

Category:San Bernardino County, California