It was a busy mining town for ten years, it was virtually abandoned before the end of the 19th century.

[2] The first phase of mining was by small groups or individuals for placer gold, by people with claims along stream beds.

In June 1861, Jed Van Dusen built a wagon road down the north side of the mountains through Hesperia and then south through the Cajon Pass, at a cost of $1,500.

This enabled travelers to reach the town of Belleville in two days by a regular stage from San Bernardino.

The matter was decided in the election, in which the smaller city of San Bernardino narrowly won the contest by two votes.

United States officials feared they were organizing with others in Southern California to take control of weapons arsenals, secede from the Union, and join the Confederacy.

The appearance of a squadron of First U.S. Dragoons in town on election day quelled an incipient secessionist riot in San Bernardino.