Derby Dike
California State Historic Landmark 244
12/02/96
#244 Derby Dike
Until 1853 the erratic San Diego River dumped tons of debris
into the harbor or poured into False Bay, now Mission Bay. At times it threatened
to destroy Old Town San Diego. Lieutenant George Horatio Derby, U.S. Topographical
Corps, built a dike that diverted the waters into False Bay. This was the first
effort to tame the river, and one of the first U.S. government projects in
California. The river was not fully harnessed until the 1950s.
Nothing remains of this site.
Presidio Park, SE corner of Taylor St and Presidio Dr, San Diego.
Return to other landmarks in San Diego county.
Please note: I have no connection to any organizations mentioned on this site.
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