Article Index

Early Days

The history of Vista begins with the dinosaurs. In ancient times, Vista was an inland sea with prehistoric fish. The evidence of this sea was found when the freeway and the business park were developed.

Historically, the Vista area was settled by a series of Indian groups over a period of several hundred years. Several archeological sites still exist, including a pictograph known as the “Indian Rock.” Also in the 1500’s, Spanish explorers passed through future Vista.

The area changed completely in 1798 with the founding of the San Luis Rey Mission. The local Native Americans were forced to live and work at and for the Mission. What is now Vista was used mostly for grazing land.

The age of the Missions lasted until the independence of Mexico from Spain, the secularization of the Missions and the subsequent granting of land ownership by the Mexican Government to a variety of residents, starting about 1835. This became the time of the “Ranchos.”

(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