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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.

Founded 1882 | Population 190,066 | Peak 190,066 (2024) | County San Bernardino County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Ontario, California

1

1882 Founded by Canadian Brothers: George and William Chaffey, Canadian engineers, founded Ontario and built one of the first irrigation systems in the area.

2

1923 Ontario Motor Speedway Plan: A one-mile oval speedway was later built and operated from 1970-1980, briefly rivaling Indianapolis.

3

1942 Ontario Army Air Field: WWII military airfield established, later becoming Ontario International Airport.

4

1998 Ontario Mills Mall: One of the largest outlet malls in California opened, drawing shoppers from across Southern California.

5

2016 Airport Returns to Local Control: Ontario International Airport was returned from LA control to local authority, boosting regional development.

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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.

Famous People from Ontario, California

LD

Landon Donovan

Association Football Coach, Association Football Player · Born Mar 4, 1982 · Age 43

JA

Jeff Ayres

Basketball Player · Born Apr 29, 1987 · Age 38

RC

Richard Carrier

Historian, Philosopher · Born Dec 1, 1969 · Age 56

HS

Harold Smith

Competitive Diver · Born Feb 19, 1909 · Died Mar 5, 1958 (age 49)

PF

Prince Fielder

Baseball Player · Born May 9, 1984 · Age 41

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