The history of San Diego, California, can be traced back to the Kumeyaay people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first recorded European visit to the region was made by the Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542.
In 1769, the Spanish established a settlement in present-day San Diego, which they named San Diego de Alcalá. The mission, Presidio and Pueblo of San Diego, was the first such Spanish settlement in California.
During the Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded California to the United States in 1848 and San Diego was incorporated as a city in 1850. San Diego grew slowly during the late 19th century, but experienced significant growth and development in the early 20th century, particularly after World War II. San Diego has become a major center of the defense industry, as well as a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and mild climate. The city is also a center of biotechnology and the region's economy.
In 1769, the Spanish established a settlement in present-day San Diego, which they named San Diego de Alcalá. The mission, Presidio and Pueblo of San Diego, was the first such Spanish settlement in California.
During the Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded California to the United States in 1848 and San Diego was incorporated as a city in 1850. San Diego grew slowly during the late 19th century, but experienced significant growth and development in the early 20th century, particularly after World War II. San Diego has become a major center of the defense industry, as well as a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and mild climate. The city is also a center of biotechnology and the region's economy.