Lancaster

by The Linguist

Lancaster is a city in northern Los Angeles County, California. Located in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert, it is the eighth-largest city in Los Angeles County. Lancaster was founded in 1876 as a stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. It was originally named Lancaster after passenger train magnate Charles Crocker’s home town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The city incorporated in 1977 and now has a population of around 159,057 as of 2018.

History

Prior to the California Gold Rush of 1848, Lancaster was located within the traditional homeland of the indigenous people of California, including the Kawaiisu tribe. The Kawaiisu people used the rich resources of the valley and mountains around Lancaster for hunting and gathering for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. The discovery of gold brought an influx of miners and prospectors to the region in the mid-1800s.

The valley where Lancaster is located was part of Rancho Del Sur, a Mexican land grant given in 1846 by Governor Pío Pico to French pioneer John Henry. Henry established an outpost called Henry’s Station near a spring in Willow Springs in 1843. In 1876, Charles Crocker and Southern Pacific Railroad completed a rail line from Bakersfield to Mojave, where it connected with an existing rail line to the east. They chose a location in the Antelope Valley as a watering stop for steam engines on the route, naming it Lancaster after Crocker’s hometown in Pennsylvania. Henry sold his ranch to the railroads for their use.

Lancaster experienced steady growth over the late 1800s and early 1900s due to mining, cattle ranching, and its location as a railway stopover. In 1910 it became the site of the Los Angeles Owens River aqueduct’s northern terminus as well as a junction of several major highways. Air transportation arrived in the 1920s. The community began a large-scale transition from agriculture to housing developments from the 1950s onward. Lancaster incorporated as a city in 1977, catalyzed by concerns over the county’s planning policies and lack of local representation.

Geography and Climate

Lancaster is located in northern Los Angeles County at approximately 34.69°N 118.13°W, within the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. The valley is a high desert area characterized by its dry climate, wide open spaces, Joshua trees, and rocky hill formations. Lancaster and nearby Palmdale together comprise the Palmdale-Lancaster urban area.

The topography of Lancaster is essentially flat, except for prominently featured hills around its perimeter. The San Andreas fault, a major geological formation, runs along the southern and western city borders. Despite its location in the Mojave Desert, the Lancaster area typically has cool winters and hot summers. Annual precipitation averages just over 6 inches per year. Summer daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F, while winter nighttime lows frequently drop below freezing.

Demographics

As of 2018, Lancaster had an estimated population of 159,057. It is currently the 31st largest city in California. Since 2000, Lancaster has experienced rapid population growth, having added over 50,000 new residents. Its population density is estimated at 1,734.8 residents per square mile.

Lancaster has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities in California. As of 2010, its racial/ethnic composition was estimated as follows:

  • White – 37.3%
  • Black/African American – 21.0%
  • Hispanic/Latino (of any race) – 48.9%
  • Asian – 4.0%
  • Native American and Alaska Native – 1.8%
  • Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander – 0.5%
  • Other race – 15.8%
  • Two or more races – 5.1%

The median age in Lancaster is 31.3 years. Over 27% of residents are aged 18 years or under, and 10.7% are over age 65. There are slightly more female residents (50.9%) compared to males (49.1%).

The average household size in Lancaster is 3.43 persons. Approximately 59.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The city has seen rapid growth in new housing construction, with over 15,000 units built since 2000.

Government

Lancaster has a council-manager form of government. The mayor is elected to a two-year term and serves as a member of the city council. Four council members are elected by district to alternating four-year terms. The city council appoints a city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Current Lancaster mayor R. Rex Parris has served since 2008.

Some of the major departments and public services in Lancaster include:

The Lancaster Sheriff’s Station provides law enforcement services to the city. Fire protection is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The city also operates a local park ranger program.

Economy

Lancaster has transitioned from an agricultural community to a primarily service-based economy. Major employers include government, education, aerospace, retail, healthcare, social assistance, entertainment, and food services.

Education and government services employ over 30% of Lancaster’s workforce. Major educational institutions include Antelope Valley College and California State University Bakersfield-Antelope Valley. Government operations include Los Angeles County services as well as local city agencies.

Aerospace and defense companies have a significant presence, employing over 15% of workers. Major firms include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and government contractors. Edwards Air Force Base is located 50 miles northeast of the city.

The retail trade employs over 15% of the workforce. Lancaster contains major shopping centers such as the Westfield Valley Plaza Mall. Prominent retail employers include major chain stores like Target, Walmart, and Lowes.

The top employers in Lancaster include aerospace companies, retailers, healthcare providers, utilities, and government agencies.

Attractions

Lancaster has a number of notable attractions that highlight its aerospace connections, natural landscapes, and culture:

Popular outdoor recreation activities include hiking in the nearby mountains and canyons as well as biking, golfing, and horseback riding.

Sports

Lancaster currently has one professional sports team, the Lancaster JetHawks, a minor league baseball team. The JetHawks are a High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies in the California League. They play their home games at The Hangar stadium in Lancaster.

Other sports and teams closely linked with Lancaster include:

The city also maintains many parks with sports facilities open to public recreation, including baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more.

Things to Do

Some top attractions and activities in Lancaster include:

  • Shopping and dining downtown along Lancaster Boulevard
  • Catching a show at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  • Hiking and nature walks in the Poppy Reserve or nearby hiking trails
  • Attending a JetHawks minor league baseball game
  • Visiting the Antelope Valley Indian Museum to learn about Native American history
  • Racing events and driving experiences at Auto Club Speedway
  • Golfing at one of several local public or semi-private courses
  • Mountain biking in the hills around Lancaster
  • Stargazing and astronomy at the Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park
  • Exploring historical and cultural exhibits at the Western Hotel Museum

Lancaster offers a great mix of outdoor activities, sports, arts and culture, dining and entertainment set against a unique desert backdrop.

Local Connections

To learn more about Lancaster, California, check out the following resources: