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The history of Perris
Perris combines a compact historic core, aviation and rail landmarks, and fast-growing Inland Empire neighborhoods.
People who shaped Perris
These milestones are an introduction, not a complete local history. Follow the linked city and museum sources to explore the people and places behind them.Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The history of Perris, California
A local history film shared by World History Official tv.
Watch on YouTube ↗- 1885
A railroad city
Residents moved north from Pinacate and established Perris along the California Southern Railroad.
Perris city reference ↗ - 1887
Perris High School
The city's first public high school was established.
Perris city reference ↗ - 1892
Riverside County
Perris transferred from San Diego County to the newly created Riverside County.
Perris city reference ↗ - 1911
City incorporation
Perris incorporated as a California city.
Perris city reference ↗ - 2005
National Archives at Riverside
The National Archives opened its Pacific-region records branch in Perris.
Perris city reference ↗
See the history for yourself.
Walk downtown Perris to the red brick 1892 Perris Depot, now home to the Perris Valley Historical Museum. Check current opening hours before visiting the Southern California Railway Museum.
For deeper research, the Perris library resources is a starting point for archival material and research help. Historic photographs have their own permissions; we link to the collection instead of treating every old image as free to reuse.
Selected milestones researched September 13, 2026. This is an introduction, not a complete account of the city’s history.