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San Marcos, California is a popular retirement community and senior vacation area.

San Marcos CA History

According to historical accounts, in 1797 San Luis Rey Mission was robbed by a small band of Indians who escaped to the hills. While pursuing the Indians, Spanish troops came upon a fertile valley that they named Los Vallecitos de San Marcos (Little Valleys of Saint Mark). In 1840, Governor Juan B. Alvarado granted Los Vallecitos de San Marcos to his relative, Jose M. Alvarado. Indians killed Jose Alvarado in 1846, leaving the land to his wife who then sold it to Lorenzo Soto. In the late 1850’s, Soto sold part of his land to Cave Couts. Major Gustavus F. Merriam made the first permanent settlement on the Couts land. Merriam homesteaded 160 acres and began wine and honey production.

After Major Merriam’s settlement, German and Dutch immigrants began moving into the area in the early 1880’s. In 1887, the San Marcos Land Company bought almost all of the San Marcos land formerly owned by the Couts family and promptly divided the land into tracts. Soon the beautiful hills began attracting home-seekers. By 1896, San Marcos was a community with its own stores, post office, blacksmith and railroad depot.

San Marcos California – Thriving Senior Vacation & Retirement Area

Today, San Marcos California is a thriving community located twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean. It’s sunny weather, mild winters and proximity to major attractions make it a popular vacation and retirement area.