First Military Flying School
Historical marker location:
Coronado, California
( Marker is on Ocean Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1967
(U.S. Naval Air Station, North Island)
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California has the largest economy of any state in the U.S. and the fifth largest economy in the world. The state's GDP in 2021 was $3.2 trillion, which is larger than the GDP of many countries, including Canada, Russia, and Australia.
About San Diego County
San Diego County Timeline
San Diego County, located in Southern California, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kumeyaay, who lived off the land and established a vibrant culture.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, led by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542. However, it was not until 1769 that San Diego saw its first permanent European settlement with the establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcalá. The mission, along with others established by the Spanish, played a significant role in Hispanic colonization and Christianization of the native population.
San Diego County became part of Mexico after it gained independence from Spain in 1821. This era led to the development of ranchos, large land grants given to Mexican citizens, which significantly shaped the region's economy and society. However, in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, and San Diego County became part of the United States.
The late 19th century brought significant changes to San Diego County, thanks in part to the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1885. This opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to a population boom and economic growth. Additionally, the discovery of gold in Julian in 1869 brought hundreds of fortune seekers to the area, further fueling development.
Today, San Diego County is a thriving metropolitan area with a diverse population and strong ties to its history. It remains a popular destination for tourism, known for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and cultural attractions, while also being an important center for the military, technology, and biotechnology industries.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, led by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542. However, it was not until 1769 that San Diego saw its first permanent European settlement with the establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcalá. The mission, along with others established by the Spanish, played a significant role in Hispanic colonization and Christianization of the native population.
San Diego County became part of Mexico after it gained independence from Spain in 1821. This era led to the development of ranchos, large land grants given to Mexican citizens, which significantly shaped the region's economy and society. However, in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, and San Diego County became part of the United States.
The late 19th century brought significant changes to San Diego County, thanks in part to the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1885. This opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to a population boom and economic growth. Additionally, the discovery of gold in Julian in 1869 brought hundreds of fortune seekers to the area, further fueling development.
Today, San Diego County is a thriving metropolitan area with a diverse population and strong ties to its history. It remains a popular destination for tourism, known for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and cultural attractions, while also being an important center for the military, technology, and biotechnology industries.
San Diego County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of San Diego County, California.
- 1542 - Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo lands on the coast of what is now San Diego County
- 1769 - Franciscan friars establish the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first European settlement in San Diego
- 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain and San Diego becomes part of Mexican territory
- 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War and San Diego becomes part of the United States
- 1850 - San Diego becomes part of California when it becomes a state
- 1885 - The Santa Fe Railroad connects San Diego to the rest of the country, leading to economic growth
- 1915 - The Panama-California Exposition is held in San Diego, highlighting the city's potential as a tourist destination
- 1919 - The San Diego Zoo is founded, becoming one of the most popular attractions in the county
- 1942 - The U.S. Navy establishes several military bases in San Diego County during World War II
- 1957 - The construction of Interstate 5 begins, linking San Diego to Los Angeles and facilitating travel
- 1970 - The University of California, San Diego is founded, becoming a major educational institution in the county
- 1984 - The first modern-day Comic-Con International is held in San Diego, becoming one of the largest comic conventions in the world
- 2004 - Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres baseball team, opens in downtown San Diego