Highland Springs Chapter NSDAR

Highland Springs Chapter NSDAR Welcome to the Highland Springs Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

CHAPTER HISTORY

In the early 1800s, the Cherry Valley area was known as

Rancho San Gorgonio, an outpost for the San Gabriel Mission. A large portion of the area was a Spanish Land Grant made to

a man by the name of Paulino Weaver. In 1853, Weaver sold

some of his land to Dr. Isaac William Smith, who was struck

by the land’s natural beauty while looking for stray cattle. Dr.

Smith purch

ased 1,000 acres for $1,000 from Weaver and

established Smith Ranch and Highland Springs Ranch & Inn. In 1862, Smith's ranch was dubbed "Smith Station" and was

made a stagecoach stop. In 1865, a young Wyatt Earp drove

the route from San Bernardino to La Paz, Arizona on which

Smith Station was a popular stop. From 1864 to 1866, the route

through Highland Springs along the Bradshaw Trail was the

single connecting line for passenger, mail and the express

travel between Southern California and the eastern regions of

the nation. Smith Station slowly developed into a hotel bustling

with traffic. In 1884, the Smith property was purchased by a

Los Angeles company that built a three-story hotel on the

property called Highland Home. The first cherry trees in the

area were planted here, contributing to the name that it is still

known by today, Cherry Valley, California. Highland Springs Chapter, NSDAR organized on October 30, 2022, and chartered by the National Board of Management on November 5, 2022.

06/17/2026
06/04/2026

Between 1723 and 1844, more than 300 African Americans, as many as six generations, lived in slavery at Montpelier. This cluster of buildings located in the South Yard housed some of the enslaved domestic servants who kept the Madison family and their many visitors comfortable, laboring as cooks, scullions, porters, footmen, waiters, maids, and stable hands.

Thanks to the rich archaeological record we know quite a bit about the material culture of those who were enslaved and living in the South Yard dwellings. With this wealth of information, we were able to represent those who lived in the South Yard with accurate material culture. Each piece helps tell a more full story of those who worked and lived in the South Yard while still educating our visitors about the reality of slavery. You’ll find pieces such as ceramics and goods that were purchased and slates and pencils used to teach reading and writing.

06/04/2026

"It will always afford me real pleasure to extend what ever encouragement may be consistent with my general duties, to such particular Persons as have long been faithful & useful Servants of the Community. I finally commend you to the protection of Heaven, and sincerely wish you may enjoy every species of felicity." George Washington, Letter to Charles Thomson, July 24, 1789

Source: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-03-02-0171

Compliments of George Washington Society, an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your tax deductible contributions are appreciated: https://georgewashingtonsociety.org/

06/01/2026

Address

300 S Highland Springs Avenue , Suite 6C #203
Banning, CA
92220

Telephone

+19099131955

Website

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