Today’s San Ysidro was born on April 9, 1909, with the official subdivision map #1174 recorded by the Little Landers Corp. But that wasn’t the beginning. In 1887, there was Tia Juana City, located in the area now occupied by the Las Americas Premium Outlets.  It was the terminus of the National City & Otay Railroad, and had a hotel, lumber yard and home sites. It was devastated by flooding when the TJ River changed its course.

Then, in 1908, William Smythe and other investors purchased  200+ acres from George Belcher and established the Little Landers Colony . The San Ysidro Hotel remains as the original Belcher family ranch house. The Little Landers was destined to be a farmers’ paradise, but again TJ River floods in 1916 made the land untenable for farming, and the “colony” collapsed soon after.

Nevertheless, the community rebounded in the 20’s and ‘30’s . The San Ysidro library opened in 1924 and a bank was established in 1925. The U. S. Customs House at the “Border” was completed in 1933. During the “War Years,” a Bracero farm worker's program was implemented.

Yet,  again, San Ysidro was changed dramatically in 1951, with the expansion of Highway 101 into “Highway 5” which brought more tourists to the border region.  In 1957, the entire South San Diego was annexed to the City of San Diego. And in 1975, Interstate 805 split San Ysidro apart, a legacy that remains today, though San Ysidro has adapted to that sore upon its neighborhoods.

In  recognition of San Ysidro’s  potential, a “Trolley” line between the border and downtown San Diego was inaugurated in 1981, and created a real “boomtown “ for San Ysidro, which lasted for some 20 years.

Today, San Ysidro’s businesses and residents know that our special place between two countries will continue to reap rewards.

Our San Ysidro community is recognized as the “busiest border crossing in the world.” We will continue our legacy as the “best of the best communities.” We invite you to join our sponsors in this Centennial Year and become a part of our SAN YSIDRO!

-Submitted by Michael Freedman