A BRIEF HISTORY and a few tips.

by Bruce F. Barber

The history of the San Felipe region dates to more than 150 million years before present (to the formation of the Baja California peninsula) while its written history goes no farther back than the days of the first Europeans to set foot on its soil. Beyond that, nothing is known of the first humans to enjoy the local shores although information in the form of rock drawings is available and which may span as many as two thousand years of the recent past.

Beginning in the sixteen century, the Spaniards had no knowledge of the existence of the Gulf of California. Consequently, believing the sea they saw from mainland Mexico's west coast was the Pacific Ocean, Hern‡n Cortez ordered several ships built and sent to sea to map the continent's coastline. While most of those mapping expeditions ended in failure, one in particular was a resounding success although it wasn't fully appreciated at first.

The discovery of the Baja California peninsula (1533) is a well-told story involving piracy, murder, a massacre, and the belief that it was an island. We prefer to begin this brief history, however, with the sailing of Fransisco de Ulloa who recorded his presence in Bahia San Felipe in September, 1539. With him was cartographer Domingo del Castillo who identified the San Felipe bay (on a mariners' chart he was then making) as "Santa Catarina." What's more, because the existence of the Baja California peninsula was unknown, it was Ulloa who reported it at the conclusion of this voyage which, by the way, included circumnavigation of the peninsula as far north as the approximate location of Ensenada.

One year later, Hernando de Alarc—n sailed into the area during an unsuccessful mission of support for the Coronado Expedition to the Seven (Golden) Cities of C’bola. With Alarc—n was the same Domingo del Castillo who, by virtue of the Viceroy of New Spain's orders to sail as close as possible to the shore (to enable sighting Coronado's representatives), was able to improve upon the chart produced during Ulloa's voyage.

Sailing in the first ship built on Baja California soil, Juan de Ugarte landed in the bay on July 5, 1721. Twenty-five years later, Padre Fernando Consag landed here and formally christened the place San Felipe de Jesœs. San Felipe's modern history dates from 1876 when the Mexican government signed a colonization contract with one Guillermo Andrade who acquired some 30,000 hectares but died before his plans were realized.

Although the first fish camp was formed in 1904, it was not until 1925 that the first sub-delegation was created and San Felipe began to develop as an organized community. The first fishing society was founded in 1928, the first school established in 1929, and the first tourist facilities in the early 1950's. Electricity was provided in 1963 and the first potable water in 1967. And, it is delightful to find, there are men and women living here today who were born in San Felipe in the early 1930s.

SAN FELIPE TODAY A thriving community-of more than 20,000 permanent residents and an additional 7,000 visiting Americans, Canadians and Europeans-providing a variety of goods and services enjoyed by all.

Digital telephone service is provided by Telnor (the high technology division of Telmex) Cellular telephony is provided by Baja Cellular and TelCel.

There are at least three local companies providing U.S. mail delivery service.

There are four (Pemex) gasoline stations. Two of them offer diesel service, as well. Mexican gasoline is formulated with a less octane than American or Canadian gasolines. Consequently, should your automobile require Unleaded 91 octane gasoline, you should buy Mexico's Premium. If your auto maker has not specified anything other than UNLEADED gasoline, feel confident in using Mexico's non-premium gasoline.

There is a propane tank-filling station on Calle Eucalyptus and there is a propane delivery service available at the same station.

The are three major lumber yards, three major hardware stores and two prominent auto part stores.

There are grocery stores literally all over town. There is one prominent furniture store. There are several children's clothing stores but nothing much for adults. Your best bet is to do your shopping at major department and warehouse stores in Mexicali or in the United States.

Quite obviously, we have an Internet Service Provider offering a variety of services including classroom instructions on most computer-related subjects. What's more, we will soon be offering detailed instructions on such matters as Internet Shopping; Internet Auctions; Airline, Hotel and Rental Car Reservations; Domestic and Foreign Travel; An Introduction to San Felipe; The Local Desert; The Sea of Cortez; and a host of other subjects including House Construction Tips gleaned from the construction of a few thousand home-building experiences here in San Felipe. In addition, we are proud to announce, we are now making plans for daily Cooking Demonstration Classes during which attendees will be offered a variety of Mexican recipes. Our tentative schedule has classes convening Monday thru Friday at 9:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. as early in 2002 as possible.

There are Baptist, Catholic, Mormon and other religious services conducted here weekly.

There are at least a dozen doctors (including a pediatrician) in San Felipe but, believe it or not, the main problem they have is your failure to bring a copy of your medical records. Regardless of the cause, when you need a local doctor, he needs to know what your medical history is, what medications you are taking, and what prohibitions may be listed in those records. There are several dentists in town.

We have architects, a house designer, several building contractors, and at least one engineer.

There is a lawyer here but you should be aware of the fact that your American, Canadian or other foreign will (Last Will and Testament) has no legal precedence in this country. You will need a Mexican will covering any and all property you have here (including your automobile).

Should you plan to create some form of residence here (an estimated 10,000 of us already have), you will need a special visa entitled the FM-3 which is obtained at any Mexican Consulate in America or Canada, as well as the local Immigration office.

There are several highly respected auto mechanics. Should you have any questions on any matter presented in this brief article, or on any other subject relating to San Felipe, please submit your questions via email to: info@sanfelipe.com.mx