True Stories of Riverside and the Inland Empire

The scattered desert and mountain communities ofRiverside and San Bernardino Counties grew exponentially through latetwentieth-century urban flight.

The "Inland Empire" became home to four millionpeople.

Their forebears' remarkable stories of survival, heroism and everydaycharm and waywardness are captured here by historian Hal Durian.

Uniqueepisodes in the lives of Riverside founder John North, citrus pioneer ElizaTibbets, hotelier Frank Miller, historian Mrs. Janet Gould and army general"Hap" Arnold are recounted, along with prison escapes, "desert rats," murdertrials and church and military base lore.

The famous Mission Inn's legacy ishere, along with journeys to Rialto, Colton, Blythe, Twentynine Palms and otherunique Inland Empire locales.