LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Chula Vista: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Chula Vista through the years.
1887 - Chula Vista
The San Diego Land and Town Company developed lands of the Rancho de la Nación for new settlement. The town began as a five thousand acre development, with the first house being erected in 1887; by 1889, ten houses had been completed.
1888 - The 1888 completion of the Sweetwater Dam allowed for irrigation of Chula Vista farming lands. Chula Vista eventually became the largest lemon-growing center in the world for a period of time.
1911 - The citizens of Chula Vista voted to incorporate on October 17, 1911. The State approved in November.
1916 - In 1916, the Hercules Powder Company opened a 30-acre bayfront site, now known as Gunpowder point, which produced substances used to make cordite, a gun propellant used extensively by the British Armed Forces during World War I
In 1944, the state of California attempted to seize land in Chula Vista owned by Kajiro Oyama, a legal Japanese resident who was then interned in Utah.
Oyama was correctly charged with putting the property in his son Fred's name with the intent to evade the Alien Land Law because Fred was a native-born citizen. The case went to the U.S. Supreme Court as Oyama v. California where the court found that Kajiro's equal protection rights had been violated.
Chula Vista has a lot to offer! Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this sunny Southern California city:
Aquatica San Diego:
Start your adventure at this fantastic water park. With thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, it's a perfect spot for some family fun.
Chula Vista Bayside Park:
Enjoy the scenic beauty of San Diego Bay at Bayside Park. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or just to soak in the views of the bay and downtown San Diego.
Living Coast Discovery Center:
Get up close and personal with marine life at the Living Coast Discovery Center. It's an educational and entertaining experience for all ages, featuring exhibits on local wildlife and ecosystems.
Otay Valley Regional Park:
If you're into hiking and outdoor activities, Otay Valley Regional Park is the place to be. Trails wind through diverse landscapes, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center:
If sports are your thing, check out the Elite Athlete Training Center. You might even catch a glimpse of Olympic athletes in...
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