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Santee, California is home to seniors who appreciate quality retirement living.

Santee CA History

In 1779, Kumeyaay Indians built a dam to provide water to the Spanish Mission de Alcala, located in this area. Spain later parceled this region into land grants given to Spanish soldiers in payment for services rendered. Years later, the land was sold to American settlers. George A. Cowles bought 4,000 acres in 1877 to develop his vineyards.

Known as Cowleston, the town linked to the Cuyamaca Railroad. Cowles Mountain, located in Santee Valley, is named for this pioneer. Three years after Cowle's death in 1887, Jennie Cowles married Milton Santee, a realtor and surveyor. In 1891, Jennie Cowles Santee received permission to operate the post office under her husband's name. That same year, Cowles School in the Cowles School District, was built. In 1893, the town, the school and the school district adopted the new name of Santee.

Homer McKoon came to Santee in 1885 and purchased 9,543 acres, which he called Fanita Ranch in honor of his wife Fannie. In 1898, the Scripps family of newspaper fame took possession of Fanita Ranch. It was used as a cattle ranch and country resort by the family.

Santee California – Site of a Quality Master-Planned Community

Today, an undeveloped portion of Santee, California that encompasses almost 25% of the city, is still known as Fanita Ranch. This 2600-acre site is to be a master-planned community providing high quality recreation and residential living.