Cabo San Lucas

Hernán Cortés, the Spanish Conquistador, first landed in the area of Cabo San Lucas on May 3, 1535. This marked the European discovery of the region which was previously inhabited by the Pericú people. Cortés initially called the area Bahia de Santa Cruz. The region's strategic location would later become important for ships traveling between Mexico and the Philippines.

Jesuit missionaries established the Mission San José del Cabo near the present-day San José del Cabo. This mission was part of a series of missions in Baja California Sur designed to spread Christianity and Spanish influence. It played a crucial role in the colonization efforts by the Spanish Crown in the region, aimed at converting the indigenous Pericú people.

The completion of Mexico's Federal Highway 1, or the Transpeninsular Highway, in 1974 was a significant event for Cabo San Lucas. It connected the Baja Peninsula to the rest of Mexico, boosting tourism and making the area more accessible. This highway runs from Tijuana in the north to Cabo San Lucas in the south, spanning over 1000 miles and significantly impacting the region's economy and development.

In 1977, Cabo San Lucas was officially designated as a municipality within Baja California Sur, distinguishing it from the larger La Paz region. This administrative change helped in focusing government resources and infrastructure development in the area, facilitating better governance, tourism management, and regional planning that spurred economic growth and urban development.

The development of Puerto Los Cabos was a major event in the history of Cabo San Lucas. It involved the construction of a new marina, residential areas, and luxury resorts, catering to wealthy tourists and investors. This project transformed Cabo San Lucas into a major tourist destination, increasing the socioeconomic status of the region and bringing international attention to this part of Mexico.

Hurricane Lidia hit Cabo San Lucas in September 1993. The hurricane caused widespread damage to both property and infrastructure. It raised awareness about the need for improved hurricane preparedness and response strategies in the region. Many buildings and local services were destabilized, highlighting the community's vulnerability and leading to stronger building codes and disaster planning measures.

The Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, one of the richest sport fishing tournaments in the world, became famous in Cabo San Lucas. This annual event attracts anglers from around the globe who compete for millions in prize money. It has significantly promoted Cabo San Lucas as a premier fishing destination and contributed to the local economy and tourism industry.

In September 2003, Hurricane Marty struck Cabo San Lucas. It caused severe flooding, wind damage, and significant economic disruption to the region. Marty was one of the many hurricanes to impact the area due to its tropical climate location, and highlighted the vulnerability of Cabo San Lucas to such natural disasters. Recovery efforts took months, with substantial rebuilding needed in affected areas.

Hurricane Odile made landfall near Cabo San Lucas in September 2014 as a category 3 hurricane. It was one of the most powerful storms to strike the area in recent history, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and tourism facilities. Thousands of residents and tourists were affected. The Mexican government and local communities had to undertake a large-scale recovery effort.

In 2017, a bust of Pope Francis was unveiled in Cabo San Lucas, representing a move by the Catholic Church to strengthen its presence in the region known for its diverse population, including many expatriates. The statue was blessed and meant to promote peace and goodwill, marking a spiritual significance for the local residents and the area's religious community.