Native American

Spanish Colonial

Mexican Ranch

American Expansion

Downtown to Uptown

Historical San Diego

From Tule Huts to Trolley Lines

We have learned that events from the past help us to understand many things happening now and to think wisely about the future. The story of Mission Hills and the Pioneer Park historical landmark begins and grows with the changes in the people.

The Mission of San Diego

The Kumeyaay was a peaceful tribe of hunters and gathers who lived with what nature provided. The quiet life changed for many natives when the Spanish arrived with groups of religious and military men. They wanted to Christianize the Indians and protect the California land for themselves. Mission land was divided into ranches when the Mexicans took control of the area. This was followed by the Americans who, at first, only came to trade, but soon decided to stay.

Each new group of people brought new ideas and different customs. They also left things behind to remind us of the past and to form our culture.