San Bernardino County history: Samuel Merrill – Welcome to San Bernardino County

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

An image of an individual wearing a formal suit with a bow tie. The background is a warm brown color, and there is a signature at the bottom of the image. — *Samuel Merrill.*

In the 1800s, newly constructed railroads from the East Coast made travel to the West Coast quicker, safer and more affordable. The emerging citrus industry helped make Southern California a destination for speculation.

Many people moved west seeking not only improved health but also greater fortunes. One such investor was Samuel Merrill, who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. In 1867, he was elected governor of Iowa. During his time in office, he was credited with promoting railroad construction, improving education and supporting small businesses.

Soon after retiring from public office, Merrill moved to San Bernardino County. He recognized the potential for land development and purchased large swaths of the valley, including nearly 20,000 acres west of San Bernardino.

In 1876, Merrill sold his land near San Bernardino to the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Co. The price listed in the deed was $1. The company was incorporated with a capital stock of $3 million and mapped out town sites, including what would become the cities of Rialto and Fontana in San Bernardino County.

Merrill and his business partners also purchased nearly 12,000 acres of Rancho La Sierra. The investors formed the South Riverside Land and Water Co. The town they established is now known as Corona, the name the city adopted in 1886. Today, Merrill’s contributions are commemorated in Fontana and Rialto with a street named after him.

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

Additional County Update News – April 16, 2026