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The Point Loma peninsula was at one time an island off the southern
California coast. Fashioned by millions of years of erosion from the
present day San Diego River, a land bridge was formed to create the peninsula we
now enjoy.
Once inhabited by several tribes of indigenous cultures, Point Loma is the site of the first European landing along the west coast of the United States. It was in late September of 1542 that the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, in the service of Spain, set upon Ballast Point -- in effect discovering California. The Peninsula’s eastern shore welcomed ships from all over the world. Soon the area began to be settled by Spanish, then Mexican, then American citizens followed by international traders, whalers, and fishermen. Although present day downtown San Diego became the main port and business center of the city, Point Loma was one of the region’s most strategic and historically significant communities. Even today, it remains an integral connection to San Diego’s seafaring tradition. Become your own explorer by visiting
the Cabrillo
National Monument which is part of the National Park
Service. Or if you wish to learn more about early California,
read about the Spanish
Rule from the San Diego Historical Society.
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