Indian Wells, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Indian Wells
City
City limit as seen from Palm Desert, California
Nickname(s):  I.W.
Location of Indian Wells in Riverside County, California
Indian Wells, California Location in the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	Riverside
Incorporated	July 14, 1967
Government
• Type	Council–manager
Area
• Total	14.58 sq mi (37.77 km2)
• Land	14.32 sq mi (37.09 km2)
• Water	0.26 sq mi (0.68 km2)  1.85%
Elevation	89 ft (27 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	4,757
• Density	332.2/sq mi (128.25/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Code	92210
Area codes	442/760
FIPS code	06-36434
GNIS feature IDs	1660797, 2410100

Indian Wells is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. It is located in the Coachella Valley, between the cities of Palm Desert and La Quinta. The city was officially formed in 1967. In 2020, about 4,757 people lived there.

Indian Wells is famous for hosting a major tennis event. It is the sixth-largest tennis tournament in the world. This event is called the Indian Wells Masters, also known as the BNP Paribas Open. It is part of the high-level ATP World Tour Masters 1000 for men. It is also one of the top WTA Premier Mandatory tournaments for women. The tournament takes place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This venue has the second-largest tennis stadium made just for tennis in the world.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2014, home to a major tennis tournament.

History of Indian Wells

Early Days and Water Source

The city's name comes from a historic water source. This water reservoir was used by the Cahuilla Native American people. It was a very important water supply for local tribes.

Around 1820, there was a busy Native American village in the area. This was reported by W.P. Blade, a geologist from the Smithsonian Institution.

Gold Rush and Stagecoach Stop

About ten years later, gold was found on the Colorado River. William D. Bradshaw created a trail from Los Angeles through the desert. This trail led to the gold mines.

The Alexander and Company Stage Line used this trail. They transported gold seekers along the route. Indian Wells became a key stop on this trail. In 1875, the trail was briefly closed due to competition. But the Wells Fargo company reopened it the next year.

Growth and Development

Over the next few decades, more settlers moved to the area. Growing date palms became a successful business. In the 1950s, the first golf courses opened. These were at the Eldorado Country Club and the Indian Wells Country Club.

In 1957, Desi Arnaz opened his Indian Wells Hotel. This hotel later became the Indian Wells Resort Hotel. In 1960, Arnold Palmer won the first Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament. Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower often visited Indian Wells. He later bought a home in Eldorado.

Becoming a City

On June 27, 1967, the people of Indian Wells voted to become a city. They did this to avoid being taken over by nearby cities like Palm Desert. On July 14, 1967, Indian Wells officially became California's 400th city. It was the 16th city in Riverside County. Since then, Indian Wells has continued to grow. It has developed many resort hotels, golf courses, and fancy homes.

Population in Indian Wells

Population in 2010

The 2010 United States Census showed Indian Wells had 4,958 people. Most residents were White (95.2%). About 4.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

Most people (99.9%) lived in homes. There were 2,745 households in the city. Many households (55.3%) were married couples. About 34.4% of households had one person living alone. The average household size was 1.80 people.

The city had many older residents. About 55.1% of the population was 65 years or older. The median age was 66.7 years.

Most homes (83.2%) were owned by the people living in them. The rest (16.8%) were rented.

Population in 2000

In 2000, Indian Wells had 3,816 people. The racial makeup was mostly White (96.3%). About 3.0% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

There were 1,982 households. Many were married couples (63.1%). About 28.4% of households had one person living alone. The average household size was 1.9 people.

The city had a large older population. About 46.2% of residents were 65 years or older. The median age was 63 years.

The average income for a household was $93,986. For families, it was $119,110.

Geography and Climate

Where is Indian Wells?

Indian Wells is located at 33°42′57″N 116°20′28″W / 33.71583°N 116.34111°W / 33.71583; -116.34111. The city covers about 14.6 square miles (37.77 square kilometers). Most of this area is land (14.3 square miles or 37.09 square kilometers). A small part is water (0.3 square miles or 0.68 square kilometers).

Hiking trails in the undeveloped area of Indian Wells.

What is the Climate Like?

Indian Wells has a desert climate. This means it is usually sunny and dry. The air often moves downwards, which stops rain from forming.

Famous People from Indian Wells

Many well-known people have lived in Indian Wells, including:

• Desi Arnaz† – a singer, actor, and developer
• Robert "Bob" Cummings† – an actor
• Tony Curtis† – an actor
• Bob Einstein† – an actor, comedy writer, and producer
• Dwight D. Eisenhower† – a former U.S. president and a big fan of golf
• Don Fairfield – a golfer
• Jack Jones† – a singer
• Robert Kardashian† – a lawyer
• Charles Koch – a businessman
• Arthur Lake† – an actor
• Joanna Moore† - an actress
• Roger Perry† – an actor
• Gena Rowlands† – an actress
• Ernie Vandeweghe† – a doctor and basketball player

† Deceased

See also

In Spanish: Indian Wells para niños