The city of San Bernardino one of the oldest communities in the state of California , in its present - day location , was not largely settled until 1851 , after California became a state .
The city of San Bernardino one of the oldest communities in the state of California . 
 Named for Bernardino of Siena on May 20 , 1810 , San Bernardino , in its present - day location , was not largely settled until 1851 , after California became a state .