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Real Estate Appraisers and Appraisals In
San Diego County, City of Escondido
| Escondido is a city located in northern San Diego County. The name means "hidden" in Spanish-- it occupies a shallow valley ringed by rocky hills. Founded in 1888, it is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. The city has a mild climate, a diverse economy and a growing population of 140,766, making it the fourth largest city in San Diego County in terms of population. Escondido was originally settled by Native American tribes. Spain controlled the land from the late 1700's to the early 1800's, and established many missions in California to convert the indigenous people. When Mexico gained its independence from Spain, the local land was divided into large "ranchos". The land that would become Escondido was Rancho Rincon del Diablo, a land grant that was given to Juan Bautista Alvarado in 1843 by the Mexican governor. In 1846 war broke out between the United States and Mexico, and a key battle was fought in the area just south of Escondido. Known as the Battle of San Pasqual, it pitted Mexican Andrés Pico (the brother of then California governor Pío Pico) against Americans Kearny, Gillespie, and Kit Carson. A large park in Escondido is named for Carson. The Americans won the war and began settling in Southern California in increasing numbers. The decade of the 1880s is known as the Southern California Land Boom because so many people were moving to the state. In 1886 a group of investors called the Escondido Land & Town Company purchased the 12,814 acre area. Two years later in 1888 Escondido was incorporated as a city - the vote was 64 in favor of cityhood with 12 votes against. It was primarily an agricultural community, growing muscat grapes initially, then after a dam was built in 1894-5 to form what is known today as Lake Wohlford, oranges and lemons were planted in large quanitity, and then by the 1960s avocados became the largest local crop. Through the 20th century the community grew and the economy diversified. Today the community has approximately 140,000 residents, and an economy comprised of agriculture, tourism, retail, services, light industry, and high tech.Escondido is also known for having three large lakes. Dixon Lake is the located in the north and is well known for fishing and has a number of boating opportunities. Lake Wohlford is southeast of Dixon and also has boating and fishing. Lake Hodges is south of town. A part of Lake Hodges is crossed by Interstate 15, Escondido's main freeway, via the Lake Hodges Bridge.Downtown Escondido (centered on Grand Avenue) has experienced a renaissance. Numerous fine restaurants, cafes, and galleries have opened over the past few years. Every Friday night from April through September, the Downtown Business Association hosts the popular "Cruisin' Grand," where the public can show and view hot rods and historic cars. A different car club and/or featured attraction (i.e. antique fire trucks, nitro night, midget and sprint cars) is highlighted each week. Cruisin' Grand also features a DJ, hula hoop contests for the kids, and 7 trophies each night. In addition to the many art galleries on Grand, a branch of the Mingei Museum has recently opened there. This museum displays handcrafts from around the world and is a treat to visit. Just one block off Grand Ave. is Grape Day Park with the civic center and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido that features two theaters, a visual arts museum, an educational complex, and a conference center. The Escondido Children's Museum is located in Studio One at the Center for the Arts, and the Escondido History Center is located right in Grape Day Park. The History Center features the city's original Santa Fe Depot, first library, Victorian house, barn, and blacksmith shop. For even more information on the history of Escondido you can visit Escondido Public Library's Pioneer Roomwhich is located in the Mathes Center building next to the Main Library on 237 S. Kalmia Street. The Pioneer Room has photographs, maps, oral histories, genealogical collections, directories and yearbooks. |
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