Here on the southwestern corner of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is Camp Pendleton South. It is a census-designated place in San Diego County. Camp Pendleton South plays a vital role in the broader Camp Pendleton story.
Camp Pendleton South’s story is intertwined with the base. The area was baptized Santa Margarita in 1769. Gaspar de Portolà led an expedition here then.
Later, after Mexico gained independence from Spain, the Californios emerged. They were the new ruling class. The Mexican governor awarded land grants to prominent figures. In 1841, brothers Pío and Andrés Pico acquired Rancho Santa Margarita. More land was added and renamed Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores.
John Forster gained the deed in 1863. He was Pío Pico’s brother-in-law. Forster expanded the ranch house. He developed a thriving cattle industry.
James Flood and Richard O’Neill later purchased the rancho. Jerome O’Neill then modernized the house. The ranch began netting a profit of nearly half a million dollars annually.
In April 1942, the rancho was transformed into the largest Marine Corps base. The Marine Corps paid just over $4.2 million for the rancho.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated Camp Pendleton on Sept. 25, 1942. It was named after Major General Joseph H. Pendleton. He had long advocated for a West Coast training base.
In 1943, the first women Marine reservists arrived. They helped keep base administration running smoothly. The O’Neill’s blacksmith shop became the Ranch House Chapel.
By October 1944, Camp Pendleton became a permanent installation. In 1946, it became home to the 1st Marine Division.
Camp Pendleton trained the country’s fighting force. This included the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Approximately 200,000 Marines passed through on their way to the Far East.
The Marine Corps broadened its capabilities in the 1980s. It went from amphibious to expeditionary. Troops and equipment could deploy worldwide quickly. This was demonstrated in Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Camp Pendleton continued to grow. Renovations replaced original tent camps with buildings and roads.
Today, Camp Pendleton encompasses over 125,000 acres. It is the largest West Coast expeditionary training facility. It supports many active and reserve units.
Camp Pendleton South is located at the southwest corner of the base. The 2020 census recorded a population of 12,468. This is up from 10,616 in 2010. Much of the population resides in barracks. Some live in housing communities for married personnel and their families.
Camp Pendleton South, along with Camp Pendleton Mainside, is one of two CDPs on the base. It is home to many military families. The community provides support and services.
Camp Pendleton South remains a vibrant part of the base. It contributes to the Marine Corps’ mission. It offers a sense of community. It preserves the rich history of this land.