San Diego

Explore the rich and diverse history of San Diego through a detailed timeline of significant events. From the early days of indigenous settlements and Spanish exploration to its growth as a pivotal Western city, discover how San Diego evolved over the centuries.

27 maart 1850

9 maart 1915

12 juli 1969

4 juli 1980

27 mei 1995

2 juni 1997

1 januari 2003

28 oktober 2008

3 september 2011

1 november 2017

27maart
1850
27 March 1850

San Diego Becomes Part of California

In 1850, following the Mexican-American War and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, California was admitted to the Union as the 31st state. San Diego, which had been a part of the Mexican territory of Alta California, officially became part of the United States. This marked the beginning of its development as a city under American control.

09maart
1915
09 March 1915

Panama-California Exposition Opening

The Panama-California Exposition was held in San Diego from 1915 to 1917 to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal, and to promote San Diego as the first U.S. port of call for ships traveling north after passing through the canal. The exposition was held in Balboa Park and had a profound impact on the development of the city's architectural landscape, showcasing Spanish Colonial Revival style.

12juli
1969
12 July 1969

San Diego Comic-Con Inauguration

Comic-Con International: San Diego, commonly known as San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), was first held in 1970. It has grown into the largest convention of its kind in the world, celebrating primarily comic books and science fiction and fantasy films, television, and related popular art forms. The convention brings together a diverse lineup of panels, screenings, and exhibitors attracting fans and professionals from across the globe.

04juli
1980
04 July 1980

San Diego Trolley Service Begins

The San Diego Trolley, a light rail system that has since become an essential part of the city's public transportation network, officially began operation on July 4, 1981. It was the first modern light rail system in the United States, marking the beginning of efforts to reintroduce mass transit to Southern California cities after decades of reliance on cars and buses.

27mei
1995
27 May 1995

Opening of the San Diego Convention Center

The San Diego Convention Center opened in 1989 and has since served as the venue for numerous major events, including Comic-Con International, trade shows, and conferences. The center's location on the waterfront, combined with its modern architectural design and large floor space, has made it a cornerstone for tourism and commerce in San Diego.

02juni
1997
02 June 1997

Expansion of San Diego Natural History Museum

The San Diego Natural History Museum, established in Balboa Park since 1933, underwent a significant expansion in 1997. The new Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Hall of Plants opened, doubling the museum's space and allowing for expanded exhibits and educational programs focused on the natural world of Southern California and Baja California.

01januari
2003
01 January 2003

Petco Park Construction Completion

Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team, was completed in downtown San Diego. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000, is known for its unique architecture and urban setting, integrating historic buildings with a modern design. It replaced Qualcomm Stadium as the home of the Padres and has become a key venue in the city for sports and events.

28oktober
2008
28 October 2008

San Diego River Conservancy Act

The San Diego River Conservancy Act was established to preserve, restore, and enhance the San Diego River area. The conservancy focuses on both environmental protection and public access, aiming to maintain the river as a usable natural and cultural resource. This initiative reflects broader environmental efforts within California to balance urban development with sustainability and habitat preservation.

03september
2011
03 September 2011

San Diego Central Library Opening

The new San Diego Central Library opened in 2013 after over a decade of planning and development. The nine-story library features a distinctive dome, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and numerous community areas, serving as a modern cultural and educational hub for the city. The library is rated Gold for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

01november
2017
01 November 2017

Opening of San Diego's Horton Plaza Park

Horton Plaza Park, a historic urban park located in downtown San Diego, underwent a major renovation and officially reopened in 2016. The revitalized space includes interactive fountains, performance areas, and an amphitheater, and is designed to serve as a dynamic community space that connects the historical elements of downtown with new urban development initiatives.

Frequently asked questions about San Diego

Discover commonly asked questions regarding San Diego. If there are any questions we may have overlooked, please let us know.

What significant event in San Diego's aviation history took place in 1927?

When was San Diego founded?

When did San Diego become a city?

When did San Diego become part of the United States?

Similar Timelines to Explore

Explore similar wikis on Timepath and dive deeper into the subject of San Diego. Your journey through connected events and stories starts here. Missed something? We would love to hear your suggestions for additional wikis.