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 In 1602 Sebastian Vizcaino arrived via the flagship San Diego. Sent by Spain to explore the great beaches and its inhabitants, he followed the Pacific Coast as far as Oregon and along the way gives the names of locations by which they are still known as today.
The ship San Antonia arrives in 1769 and tries to set up camp by Ballast Point, which today, is located near the tip of Point Loma. However they encounter much deadly illness among the crew and they wait for Father Serra and Governor of California, Gaspar de Portola to arrive with some much needed supplies.
July 1769 the Mission San Diego De Alcala from whence the city was named, is established as the first Mission to spot the coast of California. Ships come and go for the next 50 years and the land is divided between the Indians and the missionaries. Between 1820 and 1830 more settlers are brought in and start communities in what is today Old Town San Diego. This brings the population to about 600.
 When Mexico won independence in 1821, San Diego belonged to Mexico for 25 years. Many smallpox and malaria epidemics had killed the Indians in the area, and years later the Mexican American War finds San Diego California in a bloody battle at the Valley of San Pasquel and is to define the war in the United States favor in 1846.
San Diego was incorporated in 1850 and Mr. Joshua Bean, famous Judge Roy Bean´s brother, is appointed Mayor of San Diego. In 1860 the population reaches 731. Another smallpox epidemic and the Great Drought of 1863-1865 brings the city to its knees. But no one can resist the beautiful beaches and shoreline breezes that make it a great place to live.The population grows to 2,300 in 1870.
From there, gold is discovered and other gems are also being mined. 90% of the gem production comes from 5 mines inland. Of coarse the railroad hits town and brings commerce, the telephone, street cars, street lights and more settlers to reach a population of 35,000 in 1887. 
Jump ahead to 1919 when the United States Navy decides to make San Diego home base bringing with them their families. In 1923 the Marines open a Recruit Depot and in 1942 the Navy acquires 126,000 acres for their military base known today as Camp Pendleton.
The population has grown and in 1970 San Diego is the 2nd largest city in California with 696,474 men women and children.
Bringing you up to present day, San Diego Community has a rich and vast history and we thank the San Diego Time-line for their information. |
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