Orrin H. Joseph

Victorville Area Guide

Originally a railroad station, this small subdivision has grown into an exciting city in its 100 year history, and there are plenty of recreational opportunities to keep you occupied. Whether you’re studying the history of Route 66, shopping at the Mall of Victor Valley, or spending time outside during the Huck Finn Jubilee there is never a dull moment here in Victorville!

Victorville History
Victorville was incorporated on September 21, 1961 with a population just over 8,000 and an area of almost 10 square miles. By 2007 almost 100,000 residents called Victorville home and the city had expanded to 74.16 square miles. The history of Victorville goes back over 100 years when the first European settlers arrived in the area.

The community was originally known as Victor, named after Jacob Nash Victor, a construction superintendent with the California Southern Railroad. The town was established as a result of a railroad station that was built about a mile away from the Mojave River. At the time the community consisted of the property between “A” Street and “G” Street and First Street through Eleventh Street and measured one-third of a square mile. The land was rich and water was readily available so agriculture grew quickly after the railroad depot was established. In 1901 the town’s name was changed to Victorville by the United States Post Office to avoid confusion with Victor, Colorado. In 1926 U.S. Route 66 was built as the main highway linking Chicago and California, which allowed easy travel through Victorville. During World War II a military base was constructed here that employed 6,000 civilian and military personnel; in 1992 the base was deactivated and annexed to the City to be repurposed as the Southern California Logistics Airport.

Victorville Attractions

The Mall of Victor Valley
http://www.themallofvictorvalley.com/

The Mall of Victor Valley is the largest shopping center between San Bernardino and Las Vegas. There are a variety of major department stores here including Gottschalks, J.C. Penny, Sears and Kohl’s.

The California Route 66 Museum
http://www.califrt66museum.org/

The Route 66 Museum showcases historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and its surrounding communities. The museum features exhibits about automotive history, the pioneer trails, and the early railroad systems, and illustrates the cultural and economic impact of this historic highway.

High Desert Mavericks Baseball Club
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t504

Founded in 1991 by the four Brett Brothers (Bobby, George, Ken, and John) who moved the Riverside Red Wave north to Adelanto. Mavericks Stadium cost $6.5 million dollars to construct and opened in 1991. That same year the Mavericks became the first team in the California League to draw 200,000 fans in a single season.

Mojave Narrows Regional Park
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/parks/mojave.htm

The Mojave Narrows Regional Park allows fishing, boating, camping, nature trails and horseback riding around the Mojave Narrows, a virtual oasis in the ancient riverbed of the Mojave River.

Huck Finn Jubilee
http://huckfinn.com/

Huck Finn’s Jubilee is an event that takes place during Father’s Day weekend and features Ricky Skaggs, Mark Twain Live, a Route 66 car show, and the California State Arm Wrestling Championships. The Jubilee is a great way to spend time with family during the hot summer days!

San Bernardino Fairgrounds
http://www.sbcfair.com

The San Bernardino Fairgrounds hosts the annual County Fair and more than 150 other exciting events throughout the year. These events include trade shows, conventions, sporting events, agricultural events, and more.

City of Victorville Golf
http://www.victorvillegolf.com/golf/proto/victorvillegolf/

The Par-72 Green Tree Golf Course in Victorville opened in October 1963 and continues to offer affordable recreation to families in the Victorville community. The course is 6600 yards and can easily be walked, making it an ideal spot for family fun.

Victor Valley Performing Arts Center
http://www.vvc.edu/offices/performing_art/

Located near the center of campus, the Victor Valley Performing Arts Center hosts concerts and other special events throughout the year. Featured events include symphonies, film series, children’s theatre, workshops, and travel lecture programs, all of which are open to the community and students.