BRIEF SAN FELIPE HISTORY

The peninsula of course, was discovered by Cortez in 1535, but it was years later when wandering missionaries began to visit the area we know as San Felipe and they first named in Santa Catalina. Another 200 years would come and go before Father Consag arrived and renamed the area San Felipe.

Finally in 1925 the first fishing camps are established and eventually, the first school. By the end of the 1920Õs the town boasts 100 permanent inhabitants. In 1940 the town is reported by census to have a population of 287.

1948 sees the beginnings of the highway from Mexicali, finished in 1951, and San Felipe begins to grow into a tourist attraction offering hotels and campsites. In 1963 piped drinking water and electricity are available.

The 1970Õs bring government buildings, restaurants, bars, gas stations and other services. The sewage system is installed, an airport is constructed, the malecon flourishes. Town income depends on the well-established fishing industry supported by local waters, and on an ever-growing tourist trade. Each year finds new stores, many with increased, Americanized stock. One by one city streets are paved, and in 2003 a civic auditorium is completed, a theater building is begun, and a nine bed hospital opens to the public.

San Felipe has much to celebrate in this, her 78th year, while you and I have the opportunity to play a part, in the history yet to come.