The Missionary Period (1819-1821) The San Bernardino area was an outpost for the San Gabriel Mission. During this time, missionaries established a rancho, and later an Asistencia Mission where local Indian tribes were encouraged to come to learn how to plant and irrigate crops. Today, a reconstructed version of the original Asistencia is located on Barton Road in Redlands.

The Ranchero Era (1842-1851) Indian vaqueros inhabited the San Bernardino Valley during the Ranchero Era. Life on the rancheros revolved around the raising of cattle. Accounts of life on the Spanish ranchos stress hospitality of the people, fiestas and rodeos.