Did you know Coronado was once called Miramar? That’s right. Businessmen envisioned Coronado as a resort in the 1880s. They bought the peninsula near the Coronado Islands. A naming contest chose Miramar. The public disliked it. So they cleverly borrowed Coronado from its namesake islands. Coronado means crowned in Spanish. Hence Coronado’s nickname The Crown City.
Coronado’s history stretches back further than its resort origins. Long before European settlers arrived the Kumeyaay people lived here. They built fishing villages. American settlement sadly led to their displacement. The last Kumeyaay families were moved to the Mesa Grande Reservation in 1902.
Coronado officially became a town on December 11 1890. But its post office opened earlier in 1887. Elisha Spurr Babcock Hampton L Story and Jacob Gruendike spearheaded its transformation into a resort. They built the iconic Hotel del Coronado in 1888. The hotel instantly became a major attraction. They also created a schoolhouse and various clubs.
The Hotel del Coronado isn’t just a hotel. It’s a National Historic Landmark. Presidents from Roosevelt to Bush have stayed there. So have stars like Marilyn Monroe and Babe Ruth. Legend says L Frank Baum who wrote The Wizard of Oz was inspired by Coronado. He even designed chandeliers for the hotel’s dining room.
Coronado’s connection to aviation history is fascinating. In 1911 Glenn Curtiss established the first US flying school on what is now Naval Air Station North Island. The protected bay and good weather were ideal for training pilots. Curtiss also developed new seaplanes and amphibious aircraft there.
The San Diego Coronado Bridge opened in 1969. It dramatically improved travel between Coronado and San Diego. The bridge’s unique movable barrier adjusts for rush hour traffic. During the morning commute three lanes head towards Coronado. In the evening three lanes head toward San Diego.
Coronado’s story is one of transformation. It went from Kumeyaay villages to a resort town. It became a naval base and a popular destination. It’s a beautiful place with a rich and complex past. Enjoy your time exploring this remarkable city.