Upland, California: The City of Sunshine and Secrets | The Obsidian Eye

The Obsidian Eye

Nestled against the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Upland, California, appears to be the quintessential American town—friendly neighbors, a charming historic downtown, and a rich agricultural past rooted in its famed citrus groves. But beneath its sun-soaked streets and the scent of lemons lingering in the air, whispers of something far more mysterious persist. Some say Upland is home to more than just history—it harbors secrets buried deep beneath its foundations.

The Lemon Empire and the Ghosts of the Past

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Upland was a cornerstone of California’s citrus industry. The town flourished as vast lemon and orange groves stretched across the landscape, feeding a booming economy. The scent of citrus filled the air, and the famed Euclid Avenue—lined with stately trees and a historic bridle path—became a symbol of prosperity.

But while the groves brought fortune to many, some say the town’s wealth was not entirely built on fruit alone. Beneath the soil, an intricate web of underground tunnels snakes through the city, their true purpose obscured by time. Some claim these tunnels were used for transporting goods during the Prohibition era, while others whisper of something far older, a hidden network for a secret society that still operates in the shadows.

A Town with a Hidden Depth IN THE OBSIDIAN EYE

Walk through downtown Upland today, and you’ll find an inviting mix of historic charm and modern convenience. The community is tight-knit and filled with warm smiles and welcoming gestures. From the historic Cooper Museum to the vintage shops along Second Avenue, Upland offers a glimpse into its storied past while embracing the present.

But those who dig a little deeper—both figuratively and literally—might uncover something unsettling. Local legends speak of sealed-off tunnels beneath historic buildings, places where influential figures once gathered away from prying eyes. The question remains: what were they hiding? Some claim the tunnels were merely a means of secretive transport, but others insist they served as meeting places for an underground society that has never truly left.

A City of Sunshine and Shadows

For all its charm, Upland is a town that keeps its secrets well. Beneath the lemon-scented air and friendly waves of its residents, history whispers in hushed tones, hinting at something long forgotten—or perhaps, something still watching. If you ever find yourself walking the quiet streets at dusk, remember: Upland may be brighter than most towns, but even the sun casts shadows.

The Obsidian Eye (c) Cathy Warshaw, 2025

Disclaimer:

This article is a work of fiction. While some locations, events, and individuals are inspired by actual events, places, and figures, all characters have been fictionalized. The events depicted in this story are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental and unintentional for all other characters.