The tournament was first played in 1947 as the "R"Tournament and was sponsored by the R Club, which consisted of University of Redlands letter-winners.  It was renamed the Redlands Invitational Tournament in 1951.  This was the same year that Lee Fulmer graduated from the University of Redlands.  Shortly after his passing away in 1983, the tournament became known as the Lee Fulmer Memorial Tournament.

As a student-athlete at Redlands, Lee Fulmer was twice-named to the All-SCIAC basketball team and was selected to the All-Conference baseball squad.  In 1955, he returned to his alma mater as a teacher and coach, and remained here until 1982.  Lee Fulmer's contributions extend far beyond the court.  He instilled the desire to achieve academically and athletically in his student-athletes, and developed a unique type of pride and tradition.  This is now carried on as "Bulldog Spirit". 

Lee Fulmer was inducted into the Redlands Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984.  His plaque, which recognizes his hard work and dedication, appropriately hangs in the foyer of Currier Gymnasium.

From those humble beginnings, the Lee Fulmer Memorial Tournament has become the longest, continuously-running, eight-team basketball tournament west of the Mississippi River and possibly the entire country.  Featuring 12 games in three days, it is the culmination of months of hard work by many people and is now a staple of the holiday season at the University of Redlands.