The bronze statue of Jedediah Strong Smith, the first American explorer to lead a party
overland to the valley, in 1826, sits on the southeast corner of the City Hall property,
proclaiming it to be "A Welcome Sight."

At this time, the area was known as "Mud Springs" and was part of the Rancho San Jose, the
last Spanish land grant. It was a swamp, several acres in size, and a regular stopping place
for early Indians, as well as later explorers. The Santa Fe Railroad came through in 1887,
and the San Jose Land Co. was formed. The company chose to call the new town San
Dimas, which was then the name of the canyon to the north.................................<more info>