52 LA Route 66 Landmarks - #2 (San Dimas)

Fifty-one years ago today, on August 4, 1960, the City of San Dimas was officially certified following a vote on June 28 of that year. Hence, today San Dimas is this week's Route 66 Landmark.

The decision of its citizens to finally incorporate followed several years of slow annexation of its surrounding areas by adjacent communities. Therefore, its period of historical significance is minimal to Route 66. Yet, it's small town character exemplifies the Mother Road and defies Route 66.

One portion of its significance, however, is its original name. In the early 1800's, San Dimas was known by the name Mud Springs due to the marsh-like conditions of the region. This was especially true of its northwest region, the area in which the Bypass Alignment of Route 66 would one day wind its way through.

Like many communities of the San Gabriel Valley, San Dimas once thrived on citrus groves. It is believed that the San Dimas Lemon Association was the largest packing planet in the world at one time.

Today, with the exception of the lost connection between Country Club Drive and Foothill Boulevard, the highlight of 66 in San Dimas is probably Pinnacle Peak Restaurant.