Camp Pendleton (North)

Camp Pendleton (North) Municipal Water Report Info

Among all Marine Corps installations worldwide, Camp Pendleton boasts one of the most fascinating histories, rich with cultural heritage and vibrant development. The land has been shaped by Spanish explorers, colorful political figures, cattle ranchers, skilled vaqueros, and dedicated Marines throughout its existence.

In 1769, Spanish Captain Gaspar de Portola led an expedition northward from lower California to establish Franciscan missions throughout the region. On July 20th of that year, the expedition reached what is now Camp Pendleton, naming it Santa Margarita as it was the feast day of St. Margaret. Over the next three decades, 21 missions were established, with Mission San Luis Rey becoming the most prosperous one just south of present-day Camp Pendleton. During this period, San Luis Rey Mission controlled the Santa Margarita area.

Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, the Californios became California's new ruling class, many being first-generation descendants of the Portola expedition. The Mexican governor granted land and ranchos to prominent businessmen, officials, and military leaders. In 1841, brothers Pio and Andres Pico became the first private owners of Rancho Santa Margarita. Additional land was later incorporated, creating Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, a name that remained until the Marine Corps acquired it in 1942.

In 1863, an enterprising Englishman named John Forster (Pio Pico's brother-in-law) settled Pico's gambling debts in exchange for the ranch deed. During his ownership, Forster expanded the ranch house, which the Picos had begun constructing in 1841, and transformed the rancho into a thriving cattle operation. However, Forster's heirs were forced to sell in 1882 following a series of droughts and fencing law requirements that financially strained the extensive property.

Wealthy cattleman James Flood purchased the ranch, with management handled by Irishman Richard O'Neill, who was eventually rewarded with half-ownership for his faithful service. Under his son Jerome's guidance, the ranch began generating nearly half a million dollars in annual profit, and the house was modernized to its current form.

In the early 1940s, both Army and Marine Corps officials sought land for a large training facility. When the Army's interest waned, the Marine Corps acquired the rancho in April 1942 for $4,239,062, establishing what would become the largest Marine Corps base in the country. Prior to World War II, Marine training facilities were limited to Quantico, VA, Parris Island, SC, and San Diego. President Roosevelt's declaration of unlimited national emergency on May 27, 1941, created an immediate need for additional amphibious training facilities, leading to Camp Pendleton's development.