HISTORY OF CANYON LAKE

    Canyon Lake is located is an area that came under the jurisdiction of the King of Spain by virtue of the law of the Indies upon the Spanish occupation of California in 1769.
     Ownership passed to the Republic of Mexico in 1822 after Mexico=s Declaration of Independence from Spain and establishment of the nation=s sovereignty.
     In 1848, following the Mexican War and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago, California became United States Territory.
     The property now known as Canyon Lake has a heritage of excitement and romance dating from the days Indians roamed its sun-swept slopes.  During the gallant and gracious rancho period, vast expanses of land changed hands through wagers of Mexican Dons on the speed of a horse, or through exchange of tallow and hides.
     Shown as government property on early maps of the area, the land was acquired by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company of California through a patent issued by the U.S. Government on July 10, 1896, and was described as a portion of Section 2, Township 6 South, Range 4 West, San Bernardino Base and Meridian.
     The main line of the Santa Fe Railroad ran from Perris along the San Jacinto River to Elsinore. The floods of 1916, 1924 and 1927 washed out the tracks and the Santa Fe never rebuilt them after the 1927 flood. At the same time, Temescal Water Company was transporting water from Ethanac (now Romoland) to Corona for irrigating citrus groves. The water was sent on its way by gravity flow through redwood pipelines and open canals.
     Temescal Water Company bought 1,000 acres from Henry Evans, a rancher, and another section of land from B. T. Kuert. These were the two largest parcels that make up most of Canyon Lake today.
     The dam was built in 1927 by Temescal Water Company, and Railroad Canyon Lake was formed. Rain water coming from the San Jacinto Mountains and surrounding valleys supplied the lake with water until 1955.
     An agreement between Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Temescal Water Company at that time, enabled a more stable supply of water to be brought from the Metropolitan Water District and stored in the lake.
     The lake was one of the largest fresh water lakes for fishing, hunting and camping in Southern California. It became a recreational area in 1937 and continued until 1968 under the operation of the George D. Evans family. Corona Land negotiated with Leta Evans and Temescal Water Company, and the new community of Canyon Lake began to form early in 1968. The Canyon Lake master plan accomplishes many good things, and all to the benefit of the individual property owner. The community follows the shape of the lake . . .  it=s simply not possible to be far from the water.
     Cul-de-sac streets and curving roads are more than just attractive.  They control vehicle speed. All homes planned must pass the architectural review board to ensure the design conforms with the neighborhood.
     Waterside facilities include rental docks, public docks and several sandy beaches. The Lodge, a fine restaurant, a swimming pool, children=s playground equipment and tennis courts, are the focal point of family fun.
     There is a private campground, for the exclusive use of property owners and their guests. A fenced area is available for storage of boats and recreational vehicles. To the enjoyment of Canyon Lake, no motorcycles are allowed inside the entry gates.
     The primary purpose of the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association shall be to further and promote the common interests and welfare of its members within the subdivided land area situated in Riverside County, California, known as Canyon Lake. The Association owns and maintains the Lodge and swimming pool, tennis courts, seven beaches, seven parks, parking lots, golf course, a 10-acre equestrian center, approximately 38 miles of private roads, pedestrian easements within the project, common dock areas and the perimeter fencing.
     Canyon Lake is closer to Los Angeles than is Lake Arrowhead or Palm Springs, with the best of both. The climate is ideally suited for the pursuit of so many kinds of recreation. We have a large, clean, clear lake surrounded by a private community with property available for individual ownership . . . yet within convenient driving distance to every major population center from Los Angeles to San Diego.
     Canyon Lake is master-planned for pleasure. Families are boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, riding and enjoying all the activities that sun and water can provide.