Lancaster, city in Los Angeles County, southwestern California, in the Antelope Valley. The city sits at the western edge of the Mojave Desert. Light manufacturing, retail business, and service industries are growing segments of the city's economy. However, the main employers are Edwards Air Force Base and several aerospace research and manufacturing businesses. The city is the site of the Aerospace Walk of Honor, which pays homage to distinguished test pilots; the Western Hotel and Museum, a restored late 19th-century hotel now housing memorabilia of the city; the Lancaster Performing Arts Center; and the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. A community college is also located in Lancaster.
The community was laid out along the Southern Pacific Railroad line in 1884. It most likely was named for Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which was the former home of the real estate developer who purchased the land. The community grew through mining activities. The city was incorporated in 1977, and since the 1980s has grown as a residential community, due in large part to the availability of affordable housing.
