Rancho Mirage
Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage stands as a historically rich city with a captivating past. Originally inhabited by the Cahuilla Native American tribe, this region bore witness to the passage of Spanish explorers in the 18th century. Turning a page in history, it was during the mid-20th century that Rancho Mirage truly flourished, becoming a coveted destination for the Hollywood elite seeking respite and luxury. Renowned for its lavish resorts, golf courses, and breathtaking vistas, Rancho Mirage has evolved into a vibrant desert oasis, where the echoes of its storied past harmoniously blend with the modern allure of its present-day attractions. To learn more about the evolution of the vibrant city we call Rancho Mirage, click the button below and view our extensive timeline!
Read here!
1973
1979
The Early Years
It’s known as the “Playground of Presidents” — a 25-square-mile stretch of palm-dotted land in the heart of Southern California’s Coachella Valley. Dwight D. Eisenhower lent his name to the city’s renowned medical center. Gerald Ford lived here through the final days of his life. Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama all visited Sunnylands, the famous, pink-walled estate of the late publishing magnate and ambassador Walter and Leonore Annenberg.
Read here!Rancho Mirage
The postwar consumer boom increased tourism southeast of Palm Springs, and the lifestyle focused outdoor recreation encouraged many visitors to put down roots in the area that would soon become Rancho Mirage. In the late 1940s, several agricultural ranches were converted into guest ranches. The creation and success of a city is usually based on geography or economy or a combination of both. San Francisco flourished due to its proximity to the gold rush; Los Angeles had a major international port as well as the movie industry. Fort Worth grew from the stockyards, New York from the stock exchange. Rancho Mirage owes its growth to the rapid success of two country clubs created in the early 1950s: Thunderbird and Tamarisk.
Read here!
1951
1946
History Timeline
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
In 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant set aside land in an executive order allotting a checkerboard of even-numbered sections as the Agua Caliente Indian ReservationThunderbird Country Club
Thunderbird Country Club opens with the desert’s first 18-hole golf course. Tire company exec Leonard Firestone is among the first buyers
Eisenhower Medical Center
Eisenhower Medical Center opens
Incorporation
Voters approve incorporation and elect the first City Council in July. Rancho Mirage incorporated as a city on August 3, and City Council elects William Rawitzer mayor
City Hall
Construction of an 18,000-square-foot City Hall completed; it would be remodeled and expanded in 1996
Sunnylands
Sunnylands Center & Gardens opens to the public
50th Anniversary
August 3rd, 2023 the City of Rancho Mirage turned 50, its golden birthday.
50th Anniversary Celebratory Announcement
The City of Rancho Mirage is thrilled to announce its plans for the 50th-anniversary celebrations, featuring an entire season of special offerings and captivating newly released content. Join us on this exciting journey as we commemorate our city's rich history and look ahead to a promising future. Explore exclusive events, signature experiences, captivating exhibits, and a commemorative anniversary book in this thrilling video. Let's celebrate 50 years of excellence together!
Making Babe's 50th Anniversary Beer
Step behind the scenes and discover the making of a special treat in celebration of the City of Rancho Mirage's 50th Anniversary! Join us as we unveil the exclusive 50th Anniversary brew, crafted by none other than Babe's BBQ Beer. Immerse yourself in the process as our skilled brewers infuse history and flavors into each sip, promising a memorable toast to 50 years of community and prosperity. Don't miss this unique opportunity to raise a glass and savor the culmination of tradition and craftsmanship in honor of our city's milestone! On Saturday November 4th, witness the magic at the Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts as this limited-edition beer takes form, capturing the essence of our city's heritage in every batch.
Koffi's 50th Anniversary Blend
Step into the City of Rancho Mirage's 50th Anniversary jubilation with an exciting revelation! Become a part of history as we unveil the exclusive 50th Anniversary Koffi Blend, available in stores starting November 4th. Designed to mark our city's remarkable milestone, this exceptional blend offers a coffee experience that embodies the spirit of our vibrant community. This offering makes its debut at the Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts!
Las Casuelas Nuevas
Las Casuelas Nuevas, in celebration of its 50th anniversary alongside the city of Rancho Mirage, is proud to present one of its cherished historic dishes, embodying a half-century of culinary excellence and shared memories.
Brandini Toffee 50th Anniversary Tin
The City of Rancho Mirage proudly collaborates with Brandini Toffee to craft a delectable offering in honor of our 50th Anniversary. Indulge in our celebratory tin, a sweet and sentimental delight that captures the essence of five decades of community spirit and prosperity. This partnership exemplifies the rich heritage of our city, and we invite you to savor the sweetness of this special occasion with us.
Wally's Desert Turtle
Experience the grand reveal as Wally's Desert Turtle proudly presents their 50th-anniversary menu, meticulously crafted in celebration of the city's own golden milestone. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that mirrors the rich history and vibrant spirit of the city's five decades, as Wally's Desert Turtle unveils a masterpiece to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Rancho Mirage at Fifty Book
Ranch Mirage at Fifty is a commemorative book honoring the city's rich history and its transformation over the past five decades. Crafted by the City's Marketing team in collaboration with Desert Publications, this remarkable tribute marks our 50th anniversary milestone.
New Videos Detailing Our Celebratory Offerings Released!
New videos from our partnerships with Babes Barbeque and Koffi have released! Check them out at the bottom of the homepage!