Welcome to San Diego, often referred to as the ‘Birthplace of California’. This vibrant city, located on the Pacific coast of Southern California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European explorers set foot in this region, it was home to the Kumeyaay people for over 12,000 years. They lived in scattered villages, such as Cosoy, which would eventually become known as Old Town San Diego.
The first European to explore this area was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who landed in 1542. It wasn’t until 1602 that the area was named San Diego by Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno, in honor of Saint Didacus of Alcalá. San Diego’s European settlement began earnestly in 1769 with the establishment of the Presidio and Mission San Diego de Alcalá by Gaspar de Portolà and Franciscan friar Junípero Serra. These missions were among the first in the chain of 21 missions established in California.
San Diego became part of Mexico when it gained independence from Spain in 1821, and subsequently joined the United States in 1848 following the Mexican-American War. The city’s growth was slow initially, but it picked up pace with the establishment of military facilities and the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.
In the 20th century, San Diego hosted two World’s Fairs, the Panama-California Exposition in 1915-16 and the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935-36. These events played a significant role in shaping Balboa Park, the city’s cultural and architectural gem, featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
San Diego’s transformation continued with the establishment of key institutions like San Diego State University, founded in 1897, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which opened in 1916.
Today, San Diego is a bustling metropolis, known for its military and defense industries, thriving biotech sector, and as a hub of international trade and tourism. It’s a city that not only cherishes its historical roots but also embraces a dynamic and diverse future.
