San Bernardino County history: Adelanto – Welcome to San Bernardino County

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

Adelanto’s history began with Earl H. Richardson, an inventor and businessman whose success with the electric iron eventually led him to the Victor Valley region. In 1915, Richardson purchased land near Victorville and began developing what would become Adelanto.

Richardson was working as a meter reader for the Ontario Power Company in the early 1900s when he began experimenting with electrifying the flat iron. His design concentrated heat at the forward point of the soleplate, making it easier to iron buttonholes and folds. The electric iron became known as the “Hotpoint” electric iron and was manufactured in Ontario.

Richardson eventually sold his patent and purchased approximately $75,000 worth of land in the Victor Valley region. At this point, his interests shifted from electrical appliances to community development.

Richardson subdivided his land into one-acre parcels and created one of the earliest planned communities in Southern California. His goal was to sell these parcels to World War I veterans suffering from respiratory ailments and build a respiratory hospital. Richardson did not live long enough to fully realize his vision. He died in 1934, but his planning and development of the community laid the foundation for Adelanto.

World War II brought another major change to the area. In early 1941, the Army Air Field was established in the region. The facility, which would later become known as George Air Force Base, was an important part of Adelanto and Victor Valley’s military history.

Adelanto was incorporated in 1970 and became a charter city in November 1992.

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 – October 1, 2026