Why Is Redlands Called Redlands? The Story Behind the City's Name
If you've ever driven through downtown Redlands past the citrus groves, the Victorian mansions, and the Smiley Library, you've probably wondered where the name "Redlands" actually came from. It's one of the most common questions locals and newcomers ask, and the answer is tied directly to the soil beneath our feet and the two men who built this city from the ground up.
The Red Soil That Started It All
Redlands gets its name from the reddish, iron-rich adobe soil that covers much of the area, especially in the foothills below the San Bernardino Mountains. Early settlers noticed the distinctive red-brown earth right away, and when it came time to name the new colony, the description was simple and honest: lands that are red. That practical, descriptive naming style was common in early California, and it stuck.
Founded by Two Visionaries in 1881
Redlands wasn't an accident. It was founded in 1881 by Frank E. Brown, a civil engineer, and E.G. Judson, a New York stockbroker. The two men established the Redlands Colony just south of the existing community of Lugonia, betting that the region's climate and soil would make it ideal for citrus farming. Judson later became the city's first mayor when Redlands officially incorporated in 1888.
The first orange grove in the new colony was planted in the spring of 1882 by E.J. Waite, and it didn't take long for others to follow. Within a few decades, Redlands had become one of the most productive agricultural regions in Southern California.
The Navel Orange Capital of the World
By the early 1900s, Redlands had earned a title that put it on the map nationally: the Navel Orange Growing Capital of the World. At its peak, the city was surrounded by more than 15,000 acres of citrus groves, and during the 1937-38 season alone, growers shipped over 4,200 railcars of navel oranges and 1,300 cars of Valencia oranges out of Redlands. That citrus wealth is a big part of why the city also picked up two other nicknames around 1900: the City of Millionaires and, later, the City of Beautiful Homes, names you can still see reflected in the grand historic estates that line neighborhoods like Prospect Park and the South Heights Historic District today.
Philanthropists like Albert K. Smiley left their mark during this era too, funding the A.K. Smiley Public Library in 1898, a building that still anchors downtown Redlands and stands as a reminder of how much civic pride was built into this city from the start.
A Name That Still Fits Today
More than 140 years later, Redlands has grown well beyond its citrus roots, but the name still fits. The red soil that gave the city its identity is the same ground that supports the historic homes, luxury estates, and tree-lined streets that make Redlands one of the most sought-after places to live in the Inland Empire. Understanding where the name comes from is really understanding what makes this city special: a place built by people who saw the land's potential and built something lasting on top of it.
Whether you're searching for historic charm, a luxury estate, or a piece of Redlands' citrus-era history, this city's story is part of what you're buying into.
About the Author
Cristina Caministeanu, Redlands Luxury Real Estate Expert with 25+ years and 1,000+ Homes Sold. Cristina is a Top 1% producing REALTOR® and Branch Manager at eXp Realty of California, specializing in luxury homes and estates throughout Redlands and the greater Inland Empire. She is also the founder of Reveal Home Staging, offered complimentary to her seller clients. Thinking of buying or selling a home in Redlands? Contact Cristina at 909.213.8565, [email protected], or visit redlandsrealestatepros.com. Your Home. My Mission.
