The History of Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs’ history is rich and varied, from its Native American roots to its status today as a premier vacation destination and wonderful place to live. The Palm Springs area has a deep historical significance, particularly focusing on the indigenous Cahuilla Indians and their longstanding connection to the land. The city is known for its sun-filled days, desert landscapes, mid-century modern architecture, and as a glamorous retreat for Hollywood stars dating back decades. Nestled in the Southern California desert, Palm Springs is one of several towns in the Coachella Valley, about two hours east of Los Angeles. It is now a premier tourist destination and thriving city, but its history goes back thousands of years.
In this article, we will explore the history of Palm Springs, from its indigenous roots to its cultural and recreational heyday, highlighting how its become a prominent tourist destination and a great place to live.
Early History of Palm Springs and Indigenous Roots
The Cahuilla People
Before Europeans arrived in the late 1800’s, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians lived in Palm Springs. They have resided in the area for thousands of years, remaining a vibrant part of the local community today. Back then, they used the natural springs for water and the desert for resources, thriving in the harsh environment by developing advanced agricultural practices and complex irrigation systems.
The Cahuilla built villages around the hot mineral springs, known to the Cahuilla as “Se-Khi” (boiling water). Those natural springs were essential to their survival and played a spiritual role in their lives. Those villages became what is now the core of Palm Springs. The Agua Caliente Casinos, originally linked to these natural hot springs, evolved into a renowned destination for Hollywood stars seeking a retreat during the 1930s.
Today, the Agua Caliente Tribe is a big part of Palm Springs’ cultural and social fabric, owning a large chunk of land and operating casinos and resorts. The land integrating downtown Palm Springs has long-standing roots in Native American culture and history.
And they operate a spa with natural hot springs, called the Spa at Sec-he, in the heart of downtown.
European Exploration and Settlement: Southern Pacific Railroad
When European explorers arrived in Palm Springs in the late 18th century, they encountered the local Cahuilla people during desert expeditions. Spanish missionaries were some of the first Europeans to engage with the Cahuilla people and by the early-19th century Europeans started to put down more permanent settlements, changing the Cahuilla way of life.
Around this same time, the Southern Pacific Railroad was expanding and had its eye on building more rail lines across California, to expand trade. Southern Pacific acquired a broad swath of land from the government -- odd-numbered sections of land in this region -- in return for developing the railroads. This, along with the promise of gold here, brought new people to the area.
Many of these changes upended the Indian communities and the villages they had created. The federal government moved to displace the Native Americans, as new settlers moved in. By 1850, more non-Indian settlers populated the region, taking control of Indian lands and resources.
The conflicts grew and by 1877, the government created the first Cahuilla Indian reservation, soon extending to 32,000 acres. While the Southern Pacific Railroad received the odd-numbered parcels, the tribe was granted the even-numbered ones over a wide region of the desert and in much of the city of Palm Springs. These land grants created a unique checkerboard pattern of land ownership, divided up every square mile. That remains largely intact today, with Indians playing a key role in Palm Springs' development, land leases, and community interaction.
The Growth of Palm Springs
As more settlers discovered this region, its population and development blossomed. The area was known for its plethora of palm trees, and early names for the region included Palm Valley and Palmetto Spring, but soon the name Palm Springs took hold.
The historical significance and evolution of notable hotels, such as the transformation of the early Palm Springs hotel established by pioneers like Nellie Coffman, played a crucial role in shaping the area into a luxurious resort destination.
The Wells and the McCallum Family
One of the key players in the development of the Palm Springs area as a town was John Guthrie McCallum, who arrived in the area in the 1880s. McCallum, a Scottish-born San Francisco judge, moved to the desert to find a cure for his son’s tuberculosis. He saw the desert’s hot, dry climate as a health benefit, a notion that would later become a big part of Palm Springs’ growth.
McCallum built an irrigation system, brought water from nearby springs to the area, and started farming the land. He also bought land from the Cahuilla and encouraged others to move there. He started Palm Springs as a desert oasis – a place to live, work and heal. McCallum founded the Palm Valley Land and Water Company, transforming the region from a barren desert to a thriving community.
Early Tourism and the Natural Hot Springs Health Resort Era
In the early 20th century, Palm Springs started to get attention as a health resort. The hot, dry climate and natural hot springs made it a destination for people with various ailments, particularly tuberculosis, asthma, and arthritis. The first resorts and hotels started to appear, catering to visitors who wanted to “take the waters” and experience the restorative powers of the desert.
Early Palm Springs hotels, such as The Desert Inn, established by Nellie Coffman, played a crucial role in transforming the area into a sought-after destination, emphasizing the hospitality, challenges, and contributions of those who laid the foundation for the city’s tourism industry. Coffman, a former nurse, saw the health benefits of the desert air and built her hotel to accommodate wealthy patients from all over the country with respiratory problems. The success of the Desert Inn was the start of Palm Springs becoming a luxury destination.
Hollywood and the Golden Era
The Rise of Hollywood Stars and Celebrity Tourism
By the 1920s and 1930s, Palm Springs was a haven for the Hollywood elite. Its proximity to Los Angeles – just a few hours away – made it the perfect retreat for movie stars and celebrities looking to escape the industry. Palm Springs offered privacy, relaxation, and luxury.
During this time, Hollywood studios reportedly had established something called "The Two Hour Rule", in which Hollywood studios required their stars to be within two hours of Los Angeles in case they had to return there quickly for re-shoots or other work. This further enhanced Palm Springs' reputation as the ideal quick getaway.
Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Lucille Ball were among the stars who built lavish homes and estates in the area, and the streets of Palm Springs neighborhoods like Old Las Palmas and Movie Colony are lined with former (and current) homes of the stars. Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley were residents for some time and their homes are perennial tourist attractions. Local tour companies now offer tours to view many of these celebrity homes.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture
As Palm Springs became popular with the Hollywood crowd, it became a hub for architectural innovation, particularly in the mid-century modern style. This style, which emphasized clean lines, open spaces, and blended indoor and outdoor living, found its perfect home in the desert environment.
Architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler designed iconic homes and buildings in Palm Springs, which are some of the best examples of modern mid-century architecture today. These homes featured minimalist designs with glass, steel, and natural materials and took advantage of the stunning desert views, and many remain today as sought-after properties.
Post-War Boom and the Growth of the City
The Post-War Tourism Boom
After World War II, Palm Springs experienced a tourism boom. The war brought many soldiers and their families to California, and the region’s warm climate and scenery attracted a new wave of visitors. Veterans came to relax, and others to experience the celebrity lifestyle Palm Springs had become famous for. Communities like Demuth Park, a Palm Springs neighborhood formerly called the Veterans Tract, were largely developed with homes intended for new post-war residents.
The historical significance and unique identities of the other cities in the Coachella Valley, including Palm Desert, contributed to the region’s appeal. Developers built new hotels, resorts, and golf courses to accommodate the tourist influx. The area became a resort destination and attracted visitors from all over the country and the world.
Urban Development and Preservation
As the city grew, there was a growing interest in preserving its architectural and cultural heritage. By the 1980s and 1990s many of those mid century modern homes and buildings that defined the city’s golden age were at risk of being demolished for development. Preservation groups, including the Palm Springs Modern Committee, formed to protect and restore these iconic structures. The Palm Springs Historical Society provides historical photographs and narratives, highlighting significant contributions from early settlers and the region’s evolution
Today, we celebrate Palm Springs for its architecture, and the way the city has embraced its mid-century modern heritage. Modernism Week, which started in 2006, brings visitors from around the world to tour historic homes and learn about the city’s architectural history.
Palm Springs Nightlife, Culture and LGBT events
Palm Springs has also become a hub of culture, nightlife and thriving business, led by our hospitality and service businesses. What was once a sleepy resort town is now a year-round mecca of activity, and a bustling place to live without the stress and traffic of larger cities.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival, founded in 1989, added to the city’s reputation as a cultural destination and has grown into a landmark celebrity event.
Our museums, restaurants, theatre and nightlife are vibrant and world-class, and the LGBT community thrives here with vacationers as well as a large base of LGBT locals or second homeowners. The annual Gay Pride event brings thousands of participants.
Our location so close to San Diego and Los Angeles, or a quick plane ride to Seattle, Portland or San Francisco, makes Palm Springs the perfect city for a relaxing, comfortable and exciting life.
Golf and Recreation
The Coachella Valley is home to many top golf courses, and the region is known for a wide array of world class golf and tennis events. Our city has several large parks for recreation, from soccer and hiking to pickleball, softball and more. There are several local aquatic centers with large pools open to the community, and many hiking trails to explore the nearby mountains and take in the amazing views.
Conclusion: The History of Palm Springs Has Made it The Remarkable Destination It Has Become
Palm Springs has evolved over the centuries from a sacred site for the indigenous people to a health resort, a Hollywood hideaway, and a modern-day tourist destination. Its history reflects all the influences that have shaped the city – from the Cahuilla people to European settlers, health seekers to Hollywood stars, and architectural visionaries to modern preservationists. Today, Palm Springs is where people come to unwind, refresh, and enjoy the California desert, and where the move when they want sunshine, incredible views, amazing architecture and a life with less stress than the big city.
We encourage you to visit the Palm Springs Historical Society for more information.