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La Jolla
KNOWLEDGE OF La Jolla
Located just 15 minutes north from downtown San Diego, La Jolla’s seven-mile stretch of coastline property is technically within the San Diego city limits. Yet, La Jolla has undoubtedly earned a reputation as a city in its own right. Known as one of the most affluent communities in the United States, La Jolla boasts premium beaches, fine dining and distinguished art galleries. In addition, this seaside town hosts world-renown research institutions, such as the Salk Institute. La Jolla’s history is short, yet still engulfed in mystery, drama and humor.
First Inhabitants
Artifacts found in this geographic area indicate Native American settlements along the La Jolla shoreline over 3,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found stone utensils and Indian metates. However, the remains are small and scattered, leaving historians unclear about the fate of these earliest inhabitants.
Modern Settlers
The La Jolla lands became incorporated as part of San Diego in 1850. However, there were no permanent settlers in this section of town until 19 years later. Two brothers, Daniel and Samuel Sizer, each bought a plot of La Jolla land in 1869. The City of San Diego sold these 80-acre plots for the price of $1.25 per acre. Little did the Sizer brothers know that their plots of land, located between present-day Fay Street and La Jolla Boulevard, would be worth $1.25 million per acre by the late Twentieth Century.
When Frank Terrill Botsford arrived via boat in San Diego in 1886, he scribed in his diary, “Magnificent day at La Jolla! Like the Sizer brothers, Frank Botsford purchased a plot of land, but Mr. Botsford also went a step further. He was the first to develop La Jolla property, earning his title as “the father of La Jolla. With the help of George Heald, who purchased one-quarter interest of this property, Frank Botsford surveyed and subdivided the land. Although Botsford could not find drinkable water in the area, he still attempted to auction pieces of the land, with Bob Pennell serving as the auctioneer. The auction was successful and Pennell’s persuasive techniques were so effective, he even convinced himself to purchase a plot of land.
What’s in a Name?
La Jolla’s name is a somewhat controversial subject among town historians. No one has an absolute account regarding the establishment of this name. What has been confirmed is the meaning of La Jolla, which stands for “the jewel in Spanish. It is also confirmed that this name has appeared in all land grant and mission records since 1928. Yet, the name, “La Jolla, also appears in scattered documents prior to this date, including one 1870 map designating plots of land in “La Joya.
While mystery surrounds the exact date, place and circumstances surrounding the origination of La Jolla’s name, there is no doubt about the validity of the name. Between the sparkling Pacific waters, mysterious caves and glorious beaches, this stretch of land is clearly “the jewel of Southern California.
First Inhabitants
Artifacts found in this geographic area indicate Native American settlements along the La Jolla shoreline over 3,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found stone utensils and Indian metates. However, the remains are small and scattered, leaving historians unclear about the fate of these earliest inhabitants.
Modern Settlers
The La Jolla lands became incorporated as part of San Diego in 1850. However, there were no permanent settlers in this section of town until 19 years later. Two brothers, Daniel and Samuel Sizer, each bought a plot of La Jolla land in 1869. The City of San Diego sold these 80-acre plots for the price of $1.25 per acre. Little did the Sizer brothers know that their plots of land, located between present-day Fay Street and La Jolla Boulevard, would be worth $1.25 million per acre by the late Twentieth Century.
When Frank Terrill Botsford arrived via boat in San Diego in 1886, he scribed in his diary, “Magnificent day at La Jolla! Like the Sizer brothers, Frank Botsford purchased a plot of land, but Mr. Botsford also went a step further. He was the first to develop La Jolla property, earning his title as “the father of La Jolla. With the help of George Heald, who purchased one-quarter interest of this property, Frank Botsford surveyed and subdivided the land. Although Botsford could not find drinkable water in the area, he still attempted to auction pieces of the land, with Bob Pennell serving as the auctioneer. The auction was successful and Pennell’s persuasive techniques were so effective, he even convinced himself to purchase a plot of land.
What’s in a Name?
La Jolla’s name is a somewhat controversial subject among town historians. No one has an absolute account regarding the establishment of this name. What has been confirmed is the meaning of La Jolla, which stands for “the jewel in Spanish. It is also confirmed that this name has appeared in all land grant and mission records since 1928. Yet, the name, “La Jolla, also appears in scattered documents prior to this date, including one 1870 map designating plots of land in “La Joya.
While mystery surrounds the exact date, place and circumstances surrounding the origination of La Jolla’s name, there is no doubt about the validity of the name. Between the sparkling Pacific waters, mysterious caves and glorious beaches, this stretch of land is clearly “the jewel of Southern California.
Chapi