Apple Valley in San Bernardino County became an official town when residents voted for incorporation in 1988, but the history of the city dates back to much earlier than even 1776 when Father Francisco Garces arrived to establish Spanish missions throughout California. Over 13,000 people passed through on The Mojave River Trail--trappers, gold prospectors, pack mules and Mormon wagon trains--came between 1849 and 1859.
Happy Trails to You! Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, the famed Hollywood duo, moved to Apple Valley in 1965.
Apple Valley Events feature Holiday Fairs, springtime Breakfast with the Bunny & Egg Hunt 4th of July, Fall Festival, Equine Festival, Concert in the Commons free summer concerts series.
Silas Cox built the first cabin in the area, and the name was acquired not for an abundance of apples, but possibly for a lack of them. One of the first settlers is credited with saying, "There were some apples being raised along the river in those early days, but not by the ton, so I just cut it down and called it Apple Valley!" By 1920, apples WERE being grown by the ton at award-winning orchards but died off in the 1930s because of irrigation and water issues.
Ranches were instead built as Apple Valley offers a western lifestyle where
people can ride horses, attend rodeos and just get away from the big city.
Many special events are held throughout the year, including Winter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lighting.