Rancho Bernardo Timeline of Historic Events
Click on the link below to view a copy of our Timeline Poster.
If you would like feel free to download and print a copy for your personal use.
BC
2000 BC
Kumeyaay-Ipai (Northern Diegueños) first appeared in the local area.
1000 BC
Native people were living in the Piedras Pintadas (Painted Rocks) area near the waterfall in north Westwood.
Native
1500s
As many as 3,000 native people, in many villages, were living in the RB area.
Spanish
1542
The San Salvador under Juan Rodrigez Cabrillo landed at later-named San Diego Bay. He named it San Miguel.
1602
Sebastian Vizcaino renamed the area San Diego.
1769
Gaspar de Portola and Fr. Junipero Serra established a presidio, mission, and pueblo in San Diego.
1789
La Cañada de San Bernardo’s estimated 17,000 acres operated by Mission San Diego for cattle grazing.
1800
“San Bernardo” first appeared on a map.
1820s
Yuma to San Diego historic road began to evolve across future RB.
Mexican
1821
Mexico achieved full independence from Spain and took control of Alta California.
1822
Hide trade with Americans opened with the arrival of the fi rst trade ship from Boston.
1833
Captain Joseph Snook arrived in San Diego.
1836
Last mission in California secularized with enormous wealth shifted to private owners. Californios culture began to develop.
1837
- Four killed in Indian attack at San Bernardo ranch house.
- Don Jose Francisco Snook & Doña Maria Antonia Alvarado married.
1842
Don Jose Francisco Snook was granted 17,763 acre Rancho San Bernardo.
Anglo Transition Period
1846
- A three day Mexican War engagement took place at Mule Hill, part of the Battle of San Pasqual between General Stephen W. Kearney and Captain Andres Pico.
- Sergeant John Cox died and was buried on Mule Hill.
1848
- California became a US Territory by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- Gold discovered at Sutter’s Mill.
- Don Jose Francisco Snook died.
1850
California admitted to the Union.
1858
Maria Antonia Snook was con firmed as the owner of Rancho San Bernardo by U.S.
1867-69
- Rancho San Bernardo sold. Six owners to follow.
- Zenas Sikes purchased land from James McCoy.
1870
Sikes Adobe farmstead pioneered by the Sikes Family.
1872
Town of Bernardo established with a post offi ce in the Sikes home.
1874
Patrick Graham purchased two acres for a general store. Later came a school, Grange Hall and Bill Ober’s blacksmith shop.
1875
Clevenger and Judson families settled upper valley.
1878
San Pasqual Band of indians forcefully evicted from valley.
1882
Author, Helen Hunt Jackson, visited the Bernardo General Store for research for her novel, Ramona.
1887
Stage coach service began — Valley Center through Bernardo to San Diego — taking eight hours one way.
1889
Bernardo Winery founded by five Sicilian partners.
1892
One room school opened with teacher, Fannie Starbird, and sixteen students.
1912
Below freezing in local area for 72 hours.
1916
- Great Flood blamed on “rainmaker,” Charles Hat eld, washed out Bernardo Bridge.
- Col. Ed Fletcher and Wm. Henshaw of the San Dieguito Mutual Water Company purchased Lake Hodges land.
1918
Lake Hodges Dam completed.
1919
Bernardo Station Bridge was constructed, carrying Inland Highway over Lake Hodges. Inland Highway was renamed Rt. 395 in 1934.
1920
Town of Bernardo abandoned.
1925
SD County Water Company, later San Diego Water Department, secured valley land and leveled Bernardo.
1927
Bernardo Winery purchased by Rizzo family (350 acres).
Modern RB
1943
George R. Daley purchased 6,000 acres to form Daley Ranch.
1952
Lawrence Daley built a still-standing ranch house in what is now called the Greens.
1955
A new bridge over Lake Hodges realigning Rt. 395 was completed.
1961
Lawrence and Donald Daley partnered with Harry Summers and W.R. “Fritz” Hawn to form Rancho Bernardo Inc., to develop 5,400 acres of the ranch into a new planned community.
1962
- Rancho Bernardo was annexed to the City of San Diego.
- First 18-hole golf course completed.
- Construction began on 500 homes in Seven Oaks and the Greens area anticipating future sales @ $14K to $21K each.
1963
- Seven Oaks Community Center had its Grand Opening as did the RB Inn and RB Country Club.
- First couple moved into the Greens.
- The first shopping center was opened and included a Safeway grocery store at Pomerado Road and Rancho Bernardo Road.
1966
Cross erected atop Battle Mountain at Easter service.
1967
- RB blanketed in light snow.
- Interstate 15 reached Rancho Bernardo Road from the south.
1968
- AVCO Development purchased controlling interest in Rancho Bernardo, Inc. which became AVCO Community Developers (ACD).
- National Cash Register became the first to build in industrial park. Westwood Community opened.
1969
Wild Animal Park acquired 1800 acres.
1970
Mercado Shopping Center opened.
1971
Westwood Elementary was the first school in Rancho Bernardo.
1972
- First traffic signal installed in RB for Bernardo Oaks Drive in Seven Oaks.
- Symphony on the Green Concert rst performed for 5,000 guests.
1973
Town Center shopping area developed.
1977
- Pomerado Hospital opened.
- RB branch of SD Public Library opened.
Expanding RB
1982
- Great influx of new buyers — “take a number” and wait!! at a lottery in Mirador.
- Rancho Bernardo Historical Society established.
1983
- Hopeful homeowners “camped out” to buy in High Country West.
- North County Fair shopping mall opened.
1990
RB was 100% “built out” with 17,200 homes and neighborhood community centers constructed.
1993
Last Symphony on the Green Concert with Rita Coolidge performing.
2005
First RB History Museum opened at the Bernardo Winery with “casual” construction.
2007
Tragic Witch Creek Firestorm destroyed 365 homes in RB.
2011
RB celebrates its 50th birthday.