Valley Center History Museum

A brief history

The earliest known documented reference to the North American Indians living in the region is in a diary by a Franciscan missionary who explored the area for the San Diego Mission in 1795.

In 1845, Rancho Guejito was established. This historic site dates from the era when California was part of Mexico. It is the only rancho among 800 original ranchos still in existence with its boundaries intact.

In 1862, homesteaders came to Valley Center after President Lincoln signed the Homestead Act permitting newcomers to claim 160 acres of land for a nominal filing fee.