San Diego’s past is as amazing as its present.
The city has done to California what Plymouth has achieved for New England. San Diego was the birthplace of California and the bedrock of colonization on the US Pacific Coast. It was the first area 16th century Spanish explorers first landed upon on the Pacific Coast.
The original inhabitants
The history of San Diego dates as far back as thousands of years before Spaniards arrived. It began when the Kumeyaay tribe, the first native Californians, lived in the area for more than 12,000 years.
Many of the tribe’s villagers subsisted on game, fish, and shellfish. They created a culture of pottery, weaving, and others that powered the growth of familiar developments like Old Town San Diego, National City, and Chula Vista.
Spanish arrival
Spanish explorers led by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first saw San Diego Bay in September 1542. He named the area San Miguel Bay, since his ship arrived there a day before the feast of St. Michael.
Spanish merchant and explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, meanwhile, arrived in the area in 1602. He called the area San Diego, in honor of Franciscan priest San Diego de Alcala de Henares, after whom Vizcano’s flagship was named.
Mission San Diego
Rising competition with Russia, France, and England convinced Spain to assert its claim in Alta California. In 1769, Gaspar Portola founded a fortress on the hill above Old Town. Friar Junipero Serra established Mission San Diego de Alcala,nearby that same year. It was named after Catholic saint Didacus of Alcala, a.k.a. San Diego. This is known as the official founding of the City of San Diego.
Old Town and the Mexican Period
Alta California became a province of Mexico when it won its independence in 1821. The new government secularized the Missions, moving their lands to prominent Mexican families’ big ranches or to Native American territories.
Soldiers’ families and Mexican settlers settled and built gardens on the flat space beneath Presidio Hill. The population grew until Alta California had enough citizens to become a town of Mexico in 1835. Thus, the place is now known as Old Town San Diego.
Unfortunately, the five miles it took for goods to reach the bayfront area of La Playa hampered progress. The town lost its pueblo status by 1838.
San Diego as Frontier Town
The town recovered in 1846, when Americans conquered San Diego after the Mexican-American War. San Diego became a western frontier town, and served as trading post for prospectors looking for gold mines in nearbyJulian and Banner. Investors saw San Diego’s promise, especially its ideal perfect climate. It was a great time in the history of San Diego.
The late 19th century
Father Alonzo Horton played a major role in the history of San Diego. He bought a bigger place on the Bay in 1867. He promoted his New Town, until the city branched out into subdivisions and more towns as population grew come the late 19thcentury. Businesses, industries, and settlers arrived, and the city assumed a more international flavor.
The early 20th century
San Diego bloomed into a resort and business community, and the downtown area flourished. The first municipal utilities and streetcars arrived. Coronado Ferry started operating hotels, theaters and recreational hubs sprouted. Neighborhoods became independent downtowns, and San Diego acquired a modern vibe.
Today, San Diego is a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community. Excited about its many possibilities? Luxury real estate specialist Travis Bolen is, too. Ten years steering the San Diego real estate market have shown him the city he loves continues to thrive in exceptional ways. Travis and his team at The Collective San Diego will be delighted to show you your real estate options. Call 858.736.7124, or contact them here.