Slide background

The founding of the San Luis Rey Mission brought local Native Americans to live at and
work for the Mission. What is now Vista became grazing land.

1798

Slide background
1835

The independence of Mexico from Spain granted land ownership to individuals and
ushered in the time of the Ranchos.

Slide background
1845

Three ranchos were granted to Vista in this way...

Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, located in what is now the center of town.

Rancho Guajome Adobe, north of town on North Santa Fe Ave.

Agua Hedionda Y los Monos, in Shadowridge and Carlsbad.

Slide background
1879

Buena Vista Winery was founded by the Delpy family at the corner of Foothill drive
and East Vista Way. Most smaller Vista agricultural holdings failed due to the
scarcity of water in the Vista area.

Slide background
1882

The founding of Vista Post Office by John Frazier gave Vista its name.

Slide background
1887

The railroad was completed between Oceanside and Escondido, allowing crops
to be brought to the coast for shipping.

Slide background
1913

The location of downtown was permanently set by the opening of Vista Inn at
the corner of Santa Fe and Main Street, and the train depot across the street.

Slide background
1917

The Vista Union School District was established with the combination of the Vista, Buena and Delpy districts.

Slide background
1923

Growth of the area required a better water supply than provided by the Vista after Company wells, and so
the Vista Irrigation District was created by vote of the people.

Slide background
1926

After three years of construction, the new Lake Henshaw water supply was turned on, making
all subsequent agricultural, residential and commercial development possible.

Slide background
1936

Once the effects of the Depression abated, growth resumed and increased through WWII and beyond.

Slide background
A population of 400 in 1926 grew to 19,000 in 1963, and more than 120,000 call Vista home today.
2017

 

 

BACK TO VISTA HISTORY

 

(760) 630-0444

The Vista Historical Museum will be closed for the holidays beginning Friday December 15. The Office will reopen Tuesday January 2 and the Museum will reopen Wednesday January 3.

MUSEUM LOCATION

2317 Old Foothill Dr.
Vista, CA 92084

MAP & DIRECTIONS

ONLINE DONATIONS

VISTA HISTORY SHOW

EVENT GALLERY

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O.Box 1032
Vista, CA 92085

FAX
(760) 295-9993

The Vista Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization IRS number 95-3752966