San Bernardino, California

1940First McDonald's Opens: The McDonald brothers opened their original restaurant in San Bernardino. Ray Kroc later franchised the concept, but the original location launched what became the world's most famous fast-food brand.

2015Inland Regional Center Shooting: A married couple carried out a terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center, killing 14 people and injuring 22 in what was the deadliest terror attack in the U.S. since 9/11 at the time.

2012City Files for Bankruptcy: Crushed by pension costs and the housing crisis, San Bernardino filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, highlighting the struggles of Inland Empire cities.

1926Route 66 Designation: The Mother Road connected San Bernardino to Chicago, bringing thousands of travelers and migrants through the city and establishing its road-trip identity.

1851Mormon Colony Founded: Mormon settlers sent by Brigham Young established a colony at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, creating one of the earliest Euro-American settlements in the area.

1942San Bernardino Air Depot: The massive Army Air Corps depot processed aircraft and equipment during WWII, later becoming Norton Air Force Base.

1980Norton AFB Closure Impact: The closure of Norton Air Force Base in 1994 devastated the local economy, removing thousands of military and civilian jobs.

1891Santa Fe Railroad Hub: San Bernardino became a major Santa Fe Railroad maintenance and operations center.

2003Old Fire: The devastating Old Fire burned into San Bernardino's mountain communities, destroying hundreds of homes.

1810Mission Era: Spanish missionaries explored the San Bernardino Valley, naming it for the feast day of St. Bernardino of Siena.