A brief history of San Diego
San Diego’s Story in a Nutshell: A Quick History for Visitors
San Diego is best known today for its beaches, breezes, and relaxed vibe—but beneath the surface is a city with a rich and layered past. Long before California was a state or the U.S. had a West Coast, this region was home to the Kumeyaay people, who lived in the area for thousands of years. They developed villages, seasonal camps, and a sophisticated understanding of the land and sea long before colonization.
The first Europeans to arrive were the Spanish, who sailed into what’s now San Diego Bay in 1542 under the command of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. However, it wasn’t until 1769 that Spain established a permanent settlement with the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcalá and the adjacent Presidio—a fort meant to secure the area from rival European powers. This was the first European mission and military post in what would become California, and it marked the beginning of significant cultural upheaval for Indigenous communities.
After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, San Diego became part of Alta California, a Mexican province. Many of the large land grants that shaped the early ranching economy date to this period. In 1848, following the Mexican-American War, San Diego was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and it officially became part of the state of California in 1850.
For decades, San Diego remained relatively small and remote. The harbor was beautiful but underutilized, and growth was modest. The tide turned with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, which connected San Diego to eastern markets and travelers. Then in 1915, the city hosted the Panama-California Exposition in newly designed Balboa Park, showcasing its cultural ambitions and architectural flair. The fair helped introduce San Diego to the wider world—and many of the ornate buildings from that exposition still stand today.
The most significant growth, however, came during World War II, when San Diego became a hub for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Its location on the Pacific Ocean made it an ideal site for shipbuilding, training, and deployment. The military presence brought jobs, infrastructure, and population growth—laying the foundation for the modern city.
Today, San Diego is the second-largest city in California, with a reputation for innovation, diversity, and quality of life. But walking through Old Town, along the harbor, or through the historic buildings in Balboa Park, you can still catch glimpses of the many eras that shaped this coastal city—from Indigenous stewardship to Spanish colonization, Mexican governance, and American expansion.
It’s a city with deep roots, quietly woven into its sunny, salt-air charm.
