It is located on San Diego Bay, the site of major naval and
military bases. Sighted by the Spanish in 1542 and named San
Miguel, the area was renamed San Diego in 1602. In 1769 the
Spanish established a military post on the site, and
Junípero Serra dedicated the first California mission there.
It was captured from Mexico in 1846, and a new city
was laid out in 1867. The arrival of the Santa Fe
railroad in 1884 stimulated the city's growth.
Industrial development is dominated by aerospace,
electronics, and shipbuilding, and the city is the main
commercial outlet for the farm produce of southern
California. Balboa Park, Seaworld, and its San Diego Zoo
are renowned, as are the area universities.
© Janet Aguila Krause