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Poway, California is known as the “City in the Country.” It is a retirement and senior vacation community conveniently located near San Diego.

Poway CA History

Poway was first inhabited by a Native American tribe called the Diegueños. Arrow heads, spear points, grinding stones and pottery found along the bed of Poway Creek are evidence of early Diegueño presence. Various pictographs are on many of Poway's boulders. Modern tests suggest that these paintings date back to the 1500’s or earlier. Poway's more recent history began in 1758 when priests from the Mission San Diego de Alcala kept cattle in the valley. For approximately a century, Poway served as a stock range for the mission until settlers began to come to the valley to farm in the 1860’s. The name Poway comes from an Indian word meaning “the two little valleys.”

In 1887, about 800 people lived and farmed in Poway. Around 1900, Poway farmers had moderate success in the production and marketing of fruit, grain, and dairy products. Though the farmers prospered, the town stayed small for decades. Poway has a creek and fertile soil, but the lack of easily available water prevented the settlement from attracting large-scale farmers and the accompanying population growth.

Poway California – Residential Community Near San Diego

In 1980, Poway California incorporated to become the city of Poway, separate from San Diego. Today, Poway has transitioned from an agricultural town into a residential community that is a popular retirement and senior vacation area.