San Diego

WHEN

Year discovered/founded and incorporated:

San Diego was discovered in 1542 and was incorporated 1850.

San Diego was home to several indigenous people and later was administered by Spain, then Mexico, and eventually the United States.

WHERE

Where in California is it located?

San Diego, port and city, seat (1850) of San Diego county, southern California, U.S. It lies along the Pacific Ocean at San Diego Bay, just north of the international border with Mexico and some 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Los Angeles.

Who were the original tribal land inhabitants on which it was built?

Diegueño, Luiseño, Cahuilla, and Cupeño peoples were among the inhabitants of the region when Europeans arrived in the 16th century.

WHO

Who were the historical people that discovered/established this city and where were they from?

The first European to visit the region was a Spaniard named Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. In 1542 Cabrillo led an expedition that sailed along the coast of California. So on 27 June 1542 Cabrillo set sail from La Navidad in Mexico. On 28 September 1542 Cabrillo anchored in San Diego Bay. However, the story of San Diego began in 1769 when the Spanish built a chain of missions across California. Then in 1821 Mexico became independent of Spain. However, in 1846 the USA annexed California. In 1867 Alonzo Horton purchases land establishing “New Town”

HOW

How did this city come together?

The first European to visit the region was a Spaniard named Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. On 28 September 1542 Cabrillo anchored in San Diego Bay. However, the story of San Diego began in 1769 when the Spanish built a chain of missions across California. Then in 1821 Mexico became independent of Spain. However, in 1846 the USA annexed California. In 1850 although San Diego only had a population of several hundred it was incorporated.

How did the city of San Diego change the shape and impact the State of California?

This is the largest city in California after L.A., with a population of 1.35 million. San Diego, considered one of the best places to live in the world, is truly a melting pot of cultures. The Weather Channel rated it as having the most ideal climate in summer in America. The city’s economy, long dominated by the military, is now more diversified. Defense industries such as aerospace are still important, but tourism and non-defense manufacturing also play major roles. High-technology industries, particularly biotechnology and telecommunications, grew rapidly at the end of the 20th century. Software, financial and business services, environmental technology, shipbuilding and repair, and the manufacture of electronics, computer equipment, medical products, pharmaceuticals, and sporting goods are all important economic factors. The city remains the main commercial outlet for the farm produce of southern California. San Diego also is one of the leading agricultural counties in the United States in the value of production. Citrus, avocados, cut flowers, nursery plants, eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, and livestock are the major products.

San Diego’s location on the Pacific Ocean near the border with Mexico is advantageous for international trade, particularly with Latin America and the Pacific Rim. The Port of San Diego serves as a berth for cruise ships, and a variety of cargo passes through its docks, including lumber, automobiles, cement, sand, soda ash, newsprint, fertilizer, and food products. The city has an international airport, and its mass transit system includes trolley service to the Mexican border.

WHAT

What did I see on my travels to this city?

In San Diego I've been to the Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, the beaches and on a harbor cruise.

What are some Historical landmarks located in this city?

Some of the historical landmarks among the many are, Presidio Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Cabrillo National Monument.

What are some of the fun facts about this city?

Ronald Reagan was the first person to drive across the Coronado Bridge when it opened in 1969.
The world’s oldest active sailing ship, The Star of India, resides in the port of San Diego.
The first drive-in restaurant in the United States was opened in San Diego by the man who later founded Jack in the Box in 1951.