Menifee, California. 

Mining, farming, and family.  This is the beginning of the 480^th City in the State of California.

Named for Luther Menifee Wilson, an early settler from Kentucky, he established himself here after discovering gold and quartz in the late 1880’s, but the lode failed to produce a significant find and was sold in less than a decade.

Originally home to the Luiseno and Pechanga Indian Tribes in the early 1800’s, this area was discovered by pioneer’s traveling west to California.  Arriving in covered wagons, this rich and fertile land became home to their families.  Several generations later, the founding families still have relatives here.

The Homestead Act afforded the early settlers, including Robert Kirkpatrick, Hans Christensen, and William Newport, the opportunity to establish the homes, businesses and lay the groundwork necessary for any new community.

Soon, development spread to outlying areas, creating Quail Valley, Romoland and eventually Sun City. Growth was slow, but steady, for the next 100 years.  Schools were built, businesses expanded, and more families established their roots in the area. 

After numerous attempts to incorporate, the Menifee Valley Incorporation Committee was given the green light in 2007 to seek voter approval for cityhood.  On June 3, 2008, the voters passed the measure creating a new city, and elected a 5-member council to lead them into the future.  On October 1, 2008, the City of Menifee was born. 

With 48.5 square miles and nearly 68,000 residents, Menifee is the 4^th largest City (by square miles) in Riverside County, and is projected to be the 2^nd highest populated City in the County, 2^nd only to the City of Riverside.