Local Native Indian legends tell of tribes using the hill as a safe place during floods and fires.

Gabrielino Indian called the Red Hill, Katuktu which translates to place of refuge.

In 1854, the Yorba family sold Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana to José Antonio Andrés Sepúlveda.

Harris dug a new 70-foot shaft down the hill using Santa Clara Coal Mines workers till 1898.

They had two new shafts dug removing 50 tons of ore. On Feb. 27, 1907, Red hill was sold to Felton P. Browning who mined mercury for the World War I efforts.

Red Hill continues to be a local landmark for the surrounding community, and there are a number of local entities named after it, including companies, Red Hill Avenue, a school name, a church and a fire station.