City Of Rancho Mirage history

A Pasadena investor purchased land around the area known as Magnesia Falls Cove in 1934, called it ‘Rancho Mirage’ and began selling lots offering “modern attractive small homes.” Advertisements boasted that Rancho Mirage offered “one more hour sunshine” than Palm Springs.

In 1944, Hollywood lawyer, later Treasurer for the State of California, A. Ronald Button, purchased the holding to restart residential development.

Thunderbird was the first one developed in 1946 as a resort catering to business people and celebrities.

In 1950, entrepreneur and golfer Johnny Dawson chose Thunderbird Ranch and Red Roof ranches as the location for an 18-hole golf course and country club, backed by investors that included businessmen and Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope, Randolph Scott, Phil Harris, Desi Arnaz, and Ralph Kiner.

Thunderbird Country Club opened in 1951, becoming the first 18-hole golf course in the Coachella Valley.

The country clubs had profound implications for Rancho Mirage: the evolution of a “Desert Modern” style of architecture that grew out of local architects’ need to adapt plans to the unique requirements of a new style of living. It also offered home sites along the fairways and was ‘unrestricted.’ The club opened in 1952, with a golf course designed by William Bell.

In 1956, he was briefly joined in his venture by enterprising brother-in-law and TV personality Art Linkletter.

By 1970, the neighboring communities of Cathedral City and Palm Desert began to show interest in expanding to encompass the new Eisenhower Medical Center.

In 1971, developer Bill Bone purchased a 135-acre date plantation adjacent to the famed Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage.

Rancho Mirage incorporated in 1973.

After plans were drawn and approved, construction began in 1974.

In 1981, Bone announced his intention to sell Sunrise to the California Golf and Tennis Company, which owned and managed numerous other country clubs and golf courses.

President Ford enjoyed the region so much that he bought his own house nearby which he lived in until his death in 2006.

Compilation ©️2019 San Diego MLS®️, Inc.