Oceanside City Map Poster

About Oceanside

The city itself one of the oldest in California, and has a rich history. The earliest known residents were Native Americans who first arrived approximately 10,000 years ago. Estimates for the pre-Columbian population range from 100,000 to 300,000 people; however these numbers are based on archeological evidence rather than written records. In 1769 Spanish maritime explorer Juan Cabrillo landed at Point Loma (in present-day San Diego) and claimed the area for Spain; he named it "San Miguel". This name later became "California" (Spanish: ). In 1821 Mexico won its independence from Spain and took control of California; they abolished slavery within Mexican territory as well as ending forced Indian labor after intense missionary lobbying with support from their military leader Santa Anna's decree in 1834 that all Indians be set free ("see" Los Angeles County History).