Frank T. Botsford thought La Jolla was the most magnificent place on earth when he settled here in 1886. Two months later, Mr. Botsford bought 400 acres of Pueblo Indian land which was then called La Jolla Park.

	In 1900, only 350 people lived in La Jolla, and it wasn't until 1902 that the first automobile came into La Jolla. The second auto was introduced to the area in 1908. During the time between 1900 and 1920, tourism had become popular in this area. Seaside cottages were built and more people began to settle in La Jolla. With World War I over and being in the midst of the Roaring 20's, La Jolla had become a gian in this new frantic lifestyle. By 1925, the population of the area jumped from 1500 to 4000. Houses began to take on a different style, from small cottages to elegant Spanish homes. Money from Los Angeles began to trickle in and financed many subdivisions in La Jolla.
In 1926, the La Jolla Beach & Yacht Club was established. The yacht basin was planned as an inner harbor but ended up not feasible at all. The old yacht site is today's duck pond. By 1935, the yacht club property was acquired by Mr. Frederick Kellogg who renamed the establishment the "La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club." This was the first introduction of tennis to La Jolla.
	With 1929 came the stock market crash which brought failure to the La Jolla shores development. This caused a slowing in the amount of new houses built in the area. Not until after World War II did the area come back to life, with the help of service people relocating to La Jolla. At this time, approximately 7700 people called La Jolla their home. Large subdivisions were developed on the adjointing mountain slopes and old horse trails were finally paved.
By 1960, over 17,000 people were living in La Jolla, some attending the newly developed University of California, San Diego. During this time, the University had joined forces with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and it became part of the University system. The Scripps Memorial Hospital, which started out in 1916 as the La Jolla Sanitarium, left its original location in 1963 for the outskirts of town.
	In the 1980's, much of the central business district had changed dramatically with architecture styles and ownership. Larger buildings replaced the smaller 1920's style and home-based businesses dwindled significantly. La Jolla is no longer the sleeply little seaside town of the 1920's, but it has kept the small town essence and atmosphere. There are only a few high rises that silhouette the skyline and the area has stabilized in growth. La Jolla remains one of the most beautiful places on earth and continues to give the feeling of eternity and serenity.

La Jolla is part of San Diego County, which is located at the southern tip of California. Click to zoom in or out (requires Javascript)