Reche Canyon, historically known as Homhoa Canyon and Homuba Canyon, is located in the northwestern foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains.
In 1861, Anthony and Menora Reche left New York and traveled west. They ended up settling in San Bernardino after hearing news of a local gold rush in the mountains. Anthony opened a grocery store and helped build the first mill in the newly established town. Unfortunately, the flood of 1862 destroyed both businesses, forcing him to start over.
Anthony later settled in a nearby canyon surrounded by oak and sycamore trees. He built a home and began raising bees and sheep. He also established the first water rights claim in the canyon.
By 1883, the area had grown enough for residents to request a post office. Anthony used his brother’s name on the application because his brother, Vital C. Reche, had helped develop the town of Fallbrook in San Diego County. Anthony believed his brother’s reputation would strengthen the application. The post office was established under the name Vital C. Reche, although residents continued to call the area Reche Canyon.
In 1887, the settlement had begun to decline and the Reche family left the canyon in 1890.
The Console family later settled in the area. John Console is credited with discovering the mineral springs. However, archaeological investigations conducted in the 1920s indicated that Native American communities had used the springs and surrounding region for thousands of years.
The springs contained more than 14 minerals that were believed to have healing properties. The Console family sold the water as a tonic that they claimed could treat various illnesses. People even said the water could make a Ford truck run.
The Console family also sought to establish a road through the canyon. They deeded the right-of-way to Riverside and San Bernardino counties because the canyon lies within both counties. Over time, Reche Canyon Road became an important route in San Bernardino County.
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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