The History of San Diego

Those who call San Diego, the “Sunshine City,” aren’t just referring to its reputation of good weather and clear skies. San Diego is sunny in disposition as well. Travelers find it mellowed by a rich Latin heritage and a resort-town feel with a pleasing casual atmosphere. Today San Diego is one of the largest cities in the United States, however one may discover it wasn’t always so large.

In 1769, a Spanish friar, named Junipero Serra, first held mass on a brushy hilltop and later continued on to found California’s first mission. The aim of Serra, like all Spanish friars was to Christianize the native peoples of the Americas and to “enlighten” them with the World. The great Spanish empire looked seriously into expanding into California, but was weakened by recent wars and could only send small military units to the California posts. There main duty was to pr