From Ramona to Tourism

Early postcard featuring the Palm Springs Hotel

1885

Indian Agent Helen Hunt Jackson writes the novel Ramona, highlighting the lives of southern California Indians. The novel follows the publication of her official report describing the deplorable living conditions of several tribal groups, including the Agua Caliente.

1887

The first hotel in Palm Springs is constructed at the Agua Caliente Hot Spring on land leased from the Tribe.  Individuals suffering from pulmonary and tubercular conditions are drawn to the desert and the Hot Spring in the hope of curing their ailments. A simple bathhouse is also constructed on the site.

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