Get to know Colton, CA

Colton is a city in San Bernardino County in the Inland Empire region.  The land had been part of the Jurupa and San Bernardino Ranchos.  New Mexico pioneers settled the area in 1842.  George Cooley purchased land in 1853.  Over the next 20 years he acquired more acres, until the property taxes had increased so much he was forced to sell the property to Villelli Enterprises in 1873.  The city was  named for David Douty Colton, a Brigadier General in the California State Militia and later the Vice President of the Southern Pacific Railroad.  Colton formed in 1875 when the Southern Pacific Railroad was built through the area on the way to Los Angeles.  In 1882 Colton Crossing, one of the busiest at-grade railroad crossings in America, was installed.  Colton was incorporated in 1887 as a city.  The top employers in the city are Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and Ashley Furniture Industries.  Famous residents have included actor Gene Evans and tattoo artist Kat Von D.

Quick Facts

Population: 53,566

Median Household Income: $41,565

Median Property Value: $167,300