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Ontario, California

"The Gem of the Foothills"
An Inland Empire logistics powerhouse anchored by Ontario International Airport and some of the largest warehouse districts in the western United States.
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Founded 1882 | Population 190,066 | Peak 190,066 (2024) | County San Bernardino County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Ontario, California

1
1882Founded by Canadian Brothers: George and William Chaffey, Canadian engineers, founded Ontario and built one of the first irrigation systems in the area.
2
1923Ontario Motor Speedway Plan: A one-mile oval speedway was later built and operated from 1970-1980, briefly rivaling Indianapolis.
3
1942Ontario Army Air Field: WWII military airfield established, later becoming Ontario International Airport.
4
1998Ontario Mills Mall: One of the largest outlet malls in California opened, drawing shoppers from across Southern California.
5
2016Airport Returns to Local Control: Ontario International Airport was returned from LA control to local authority, boosting regional development.
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Latest News in Ontario

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Complete Historical Timeline

1882 Government
Founded by Chaffey brothers
1891 Government
City incorporated
1942 Government
WWII air field established
1970 Sports
Ontario Motor Speedway opens
1998 Business
Ontario Mills mega-mall opens
2010 Business
Logistics warehousing booms
2016 Transport
Airport returns to local control
2023 Government
Population exceeds 190,000

Did You Know?

1
Ontario was named by its Canadian founders after the Canadian province of Ontario.
2
The Ontario Motor Speedway (1970-1980) was a $25 million replica of Indianapolis — it was demolished for housing development.
3
Ontario International Airport handles more cargo than most airports its size thanks to the Inland Empire's massive logistics industry.
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