Sleeping Giant is a robust and thoughtful narrative detailing the evolution of the Inland Empire, from wild desert to economic powerhouse. Illustrated with hundreds of colorful, historic photos, this oversize book will be a treasured gift.
The “empire” is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the U.S. It stretches across western San Bernardino and Riverside counties, ringed by mountains on the north, east, and south, and extending through Upland and Ontario to the west.
Transitioning from a wild-west of haciendas, Indian camps, pioneer settlements, and then an agrarian oasis, onward through the coming of the railroads, and industry.
Sleeping Giant documents the development of the vineyards, citrus and fruit orchards that transformed the valley from parched desert to land of plenty. Those farmers and ranchers became wealthy landowners whose groves covered much of the Southern California landscape.
Agrarian villages gave way to growing, pulsating cities and today are home to a population of millions. The retreat of the groves from the hoards of California- bound immigrants continues today, and the ever-changing face of the Inland Empire endures, with a promising future.