Santa Fe Railroad built a depot in Devore in the early 1900s.
Santa Fe Railroad built a depot in Devore in the early 1900s.

Devore is a rural and mountainous neighborhood that stretches from Glen Helen Regional Park to the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains. It was originally part of the Rancho Muscupiabe Land Grant of 1843. 

For a brief period of five months in 1902, the area was known as Kenwood, named after one of the community’s largest landowners. That same year, businessman John A. Devore purchased 1,800 acres in the area. He planned an entire community, calling his venture the Devore Land Company. 

Around this time, the Santa Fe Railroad constructed a new station at the cost of $7,000 at the site. Upon completion, the depot had an agent, a telegraph office and an express office. The company also developed a large water tank, a house track and a long sidetrack to allow freight and passenger trains to pass each other. 

The area became known as Devore, with many referring to the region as “the garden spot of San Bernardino,” best known for its productive land, plentiful water and beautiful scenery. The area was soon home to many vineyards due to its ideal elevation and soil content. The grapes and raisins grown in Devore were renowned for their rich flavor, having more sugar than those produced in the valley. 

Devore had 400 acres dedicated to vineyards, with another 200 devoted to grains and alfalfa. In addition, raising cattle and sheep was plentiful in the area. Today, Devore is adjacent to Glen Helen Regional Park and continues to maintain its rural charm.

The information in this historical feature was originally part of a video series produced by the Assessor-Recorder-Clerk’s office.


Additional County Update News – Jan. 16, 2025