1947
Palo Verde College begins
The college was established on September 15 on the former Morton Air Academy site northwest of Blythe. Its first class included only 17 students.
History and civic life
Where we came from shapes where we go.
History gives public service context. These short timelines connect Palo Verde College to the wider stories of California and the United States.
Our local institution
Palo Verde College
What began with 17 students in 1947 grew into a college serving two desert communities across a vast geographic district.
1958–1973
A college takes root
The college moved to East Hobsonway in 1958, relocated to Chanslor Way in 1967, and became independent from the unified school district in 1973.
1999–2000
The district reaches Needles
The service area expanded into eastern San Bernardino County in 1999. The Needles Educational Center offered its first classes in spring 2000.
2001–Today
A wider regional mission
The current Blythe campus opened in 2001. Today, the college serves students in Blythe, Needles, and the surrounding region through transfer, career, workforce, and enrichment programs.
The Golden State
California
California's history is ancient, complicated, and still being written by the people and communities who call it home.
Before statehood
A much older human history
California's story began long before it became a state, with Native peoples and distinct cultures living across the region for generations.
1848
Gold changes California
Gold was discovered at Coloma on January 24. The Gold Rush brought rapid migration and enormous social, cultural, and environmental change.
1850
The 31st state
California entered the Union on September 9, 1850. Its growth, diversity, agriculture, industry, and innovation would profoundly influence the nation.
The American experiment
The United States
The nation's founding ideals created enduring promises. American history is also the continuing work of extending those promises more fully to every citizen.
1776
The Declaration of Independence
The thirteen colonies declared independence and set forth ideals of equality, liberty, and government deriving its authority from the people.
1787–1791
A constitutional government
The Constitution established the framework of the federal government. The first ten amendments—the Bill of Rights—were ratified in 1791.
1865–1870
Reconstruction amendments
The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments abolished slavery, defined national citizenship and equal protection, and prohibited racial discrimination in voting.
1920–1965
The promise of participation expands
The 19th Amendment protected voting rights regardless of sex. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 strengthened equal rights and access to the ballot.
Learn more