In the late 19th century, railroads played a central role in shaping the growth of Southern California. Among the most notable developments was the Kite Shaped Track, a looped rail system that connected communities across the San Bernardino Valley and supported the region’s economic expansion.
By 1885, the Santa Fe Railroad had expanded west to California. From Barstow, tracks crossed the Mojave Desert and entered San Bernardino through the Cajon Pass before continuing to San Diego. Another extension to Los Angeles was completed in 1887. A line was soon built east from San Bernardino to Redlands and extended to Mentone. Local railroad officials sought to continue the line from Mentone back to San Bernardino by way of Highland, creating a loop in the valley.
In January 1892, the Kite Shaped Track was completed. The system formed a 158-mile route from Los Angeles east to Mentone and back, carrying passengers and freight.
Passengers traveled along the southern rim of the San Gabriel Mountains and passed through Cucamonga, Rialto and San Bernardino. A rate war between the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads led to a surge in train travel.
The railroad promoted development of the citrus industry and encouraged immigration to California. It was also a popular transportation option to the beaches during summer. Tourists arrived in large numbers, and some settled in the state. California’s population grew by nearly 348,000 people from 1880 to 1890.
The Kite Shaped Track became a popular excursion for visitors to the San Bernardino Valley. Trains departed every two hours each day. The Citrograph, an early Redlands newspaper, advertised a commuter ticket book offering 60 rides between Redlands and San Bernardino for $7.50, or about 12.5 cents per ride.
Passenger service on the Kite-Shaped Track ended March 2, 1938, and freight service ended in the early 1970s. In 1981, the tracks, which had been in place for nearly 100 years, were removed.
Today, remnants of depots and the Kite Loop remain in Highland and Redlands. Hiking trails now follow portions of the former route.
The information in this historical feature was originally part of a video series produced by the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office.
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