San Fernando has a rich cultural heritage that began with the Gabrielino and Tataviam Indians who originally inhabited the valley. The first Spanish explorers arrived in 1769, and the city was founded in 1874.

San Fernando earned the title of "First City of the Valley" and became the first organized community in the valley. The railroad's arrival in 1876 marked a pivotal moment in the city's growth, as the value of town lots increased from $10 to $150 each. The city's roots can be traced back to the ranching activities surrounding Mission de San Fernando Rey, which emerged as a bustling trading center in the early 1800s.