What's In a Name?

Big Bear Lake

In 1845, a man named Benjamin Wilson lead a group of men into the San Bernardino Mountains in search of Serrano tribesmen who had been raiding ranches in Riverside. Upon arrival, Wilson discovered the valley was crawling with Grizzly bears and gave the area the name it carries today. The body of water known as Big Bear Lake didn't exist at that time, so the name referred to what is known as Baldwin Lake. (bigbearhistorysite.com)

Starvation Flats

Big Bear’s gold rush began at the corner of today's Stanfield Cutoff and Big Bear Boulevard. In 1859, the area was known as Starvation Flats (the street name still exists) and was home to a small group of prospectors searching the area for gold. As the name implies, they weren’t having much luck. (bigbearhistorysite.com)

Treasure Island

This one goes by a few names. Also known as China Island and Garstin Island, this unique house on a rock dates back to c. 1910-1912. Herbert Garstin, head of Bear Valley Mutual Water Co, had the idea to add the home upon learning that the second dam (completed in 1912) would turn his favorite peninsula hangout into an island. His wife Maude designed the home to reflect her deep love for Chinese culture and architecture.

Holcomb Valley

A miner named Bill Holcomb arrived in Big Bear in February 1860. The valley was covered in snow and he set up camp in Starvation Flats with other miners. Food was in short supply, so Holcomb and another miner decided to go hunting. From Starvation Flats they headed north across the valley climbing up to today's Bertha Peak area. From the top of this ridge Holcomb gazed at a lush green valley that would eventually bear his name.

The miners returned to camp with two bears they'd hunted plus a plan to return to the lush valley in search of gold. In short, they were successful. Upon reporting their find the news travelled quickly and in June 1860, over 300 men were at work in the Holcomb Valley. By September, there were over 1,000 men working gold claims. (bigbearhistorysite.com)

Serrano Campground

The Serrano - or Yuhaaviatam - are Big Bear Lake's indigenous people. Two known clans lived near the Big Bear Valley until the mid 1800s, the Yuhaaviatam (now the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians) and the Pervetum. (SBCounty - Cultural Resources Report)

Baldwin Lake

This natural lake dates from the Ice Age and the Baldwin Lake name is an ode to Elias J. (Lucky) Baldwin who initiated the second gold rush in the valley. Today, the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve is home to the Pebble Plains, an ecosystem so unique that it is only found here in the Big Bear Valley!

Gold Mountain

The first gold rush in Big Bear Lake fizzled out in 1862. The second gold rush was initiated by Elias J. (Lucky) Baldwin. Lucky Baldwin was a multimillionaire who had struck it rich at other mines in the nation. In 1873, Baldwin investigated mining possibilities in Big Bear Lake and purchased a claim at what is now Baldwin Lake. He incorporated the Gold Mountain Mining Company and opened a stamp mill at the base of today’s Gold Mountain.

Fox Farm

The All Star Fox Farm, Big Bear's most successful fox farm, was established in 1928. The fur industry enjoyed high demand worldwide, and for about 10 years the All Star Fox Farm enjoyed big business. Over time, a saturated market and changing attitudes towards fur rendered the industry effectively dead in Big Bear.

Historical Street Names

Many of Big Bear's historical figures can be identified by street and neighborhood names. Metcalf Bay, Talmadge Rd, Rathbun Creek, Knight Ave, Van Dusen Canyon Rd, Shay Ranch Rd, Knickerbocker Rd, Bartlett Dr and many more all pay homage to the community's pioneers.