A variety of Yuman-speaking people have lived for
thousands of years around the shores of San Diego Bay. European settlement
began in 1769 with the arrival of the first Spanish missionaries.
The bay was seized by United States Marines during the Mexican-American
War in 1846-1848.
Development of the area proceeded slowly throughout
the later nineteenth century. The coming of the Santa Fe railroad
in 1885 spurred population growth as did the establishment of major
army and navy bases during World War I. San Diego today has the
largest concentration of military personnel of any city in the nation.
Development of the area proceeded slowly throughout
the later nineteenth century. The coming of the Santa Fe railroad
in 1885 spurred population growth as did the establishment of major
army and navy bases during World War I. San Diego today has the
largest concentration of military personnel of any city in the nation.