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Making the Mountains Livable
The formation of Big Bear Lake in 1884 brought about many changes to mountain life and along with this lake came tourists, recreation seekers and the first mountain hotel in 1888. The primary use of this lake was to irrigate orange groves that were growing in the lower valleys and this brought about a higher demand of fruit boxes and an increase in the number of lumber trucks traveling the mountain road. New roads were created to facilitate this extra mountain traffic. In 1891 Arrowhead Reservoir Company was also creating a new lake but the purpose of their lake was to fulfill the water needs of San Bernardino. After usage complications and court actions Arrowhead Reservoir Company who also owned the valuable Lake Arrowhead real estate, surrounding this new lake formed the Lake Arrowhead resort as we know it today. By 1915 there were many roads leading through the San Bernardino Mountains and it was also at this time that Henry Ford invented the first automobile. These historical Lake Arrowhead roads were adapted for these new vehicles, grades were reduced and surfaces widened but with the new technology dust and dirt increased and soon became intolerable. This lead to the oiling of the roads and was the first step in creating the fine roads and highways we have in Lake Arrowhead today.
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A brief look at Hollywood's fascination with Lake Arrowhead through the years. From the days of the Indians to today, a look at how Lake Arrowhead has changed through the years. |
Lake
Arrowhead historical highways have enabled many 
