History and Facts

Imperial County, originally part of San Diego County, was founded August 7, 1907. The area was visited as early as 1540 by Hernando de Alarcon, discoverer of the Colorado River. It was further explored by Spanish explorers and Catholic friars. Settlements existed along the Butterfield Stage Route as early as 1858, but no real development took place until water was brought into the area in 1901.